*Note: I do not own most images. They are for educational purposes only.

2/22/2022

1. It looks like geese have teeth but that is really just a cartilage called tomium. They look and function like real teeth but are grown from the beak itself. They also have tomium on their tongues in order to better cut up their food.
Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself against a goose attack.

 

2. This is what a goose looks like when he is angry. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

3. How do you know If a goose is about to attack? There are several signs to look out for:

1. The goose is staring at you

2. The goose stretches their neck out

3. The goose pumps his head up and down in a vertical motion

4. He may hiss or honk

5. He run

Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

4. This is called the African goose. This one has a feather in his mouth. They are characterized by the large bump on their head, which is considered to be a sign of wisdom. Despite their name, they actually came from China. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

5. China has employed an elite gaggle of geese to fight crime. This is not a joke. They have been labeled “better than dogs” when tackling crime. Geese are very territorial, sharp, keen and brave as well as having excellent hearing so they make perfect guards.

“Geese are very brave. They spread their wings and attack any strangers entering someone’s home.”

-Mr. Zhang, local police chief
Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

3/1/2022

6. Once a year, adult geese go through a process called molting. While molting, they lose all their feathers! This means they can’t fly for that period of time, which lasts about 30-45 days. This is usually in the spring. They like to be near water at all times during the molting period so that they can escape predators. Stay tuned next time to see how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

7. Geese are very loyal and mate for life. If their mate dies, they will go off and mourn in seclusion. They are also very protective and attached to their babies. If one gets injured, they will often refuse to leave his side until he is better, even if the rest of the gaggle is about to migrate for the winter. Stay tuned next time to find out how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

8. Contrary to popular belief, geese lay eggs. They lay about 12 (on average) eggs per mating season, which lasts from February - April. They remain eggs for about 28-35 days before hatching into goslings. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

9. This is the Barnacle Goose. They live mainly in Ireland and Scotland but go to Russia to mate. They are also found in Greenland, Sweden, Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Estonia, Serbia, France, Belarus, Latvia, Slovenia, Germany, Iceland, Spain, Hungary, Switzerland, Canada and Poland. They get their name because some whacks out there believe that they were created from barnacles and driftwood. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

10. The oldest goose in the world was a gander named George. He lived in England and died in 1976 at the age of 49 years and 8 months. The average goose lives about 25 years. George is a sweet silly old boy. Memory Eternal. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

3/8/2022

11. The world's largest goose was a Canadian goose named Maxie and he lived in Missouri. He was 24 pounds and had a wingspan of 7.3 feet. The average goose is about 18lbs. This is a STATUE of Maxie. You can go visit the statue in Sunmer, Missouri. Let’s go see! Stay tuned next time to find out how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

12. This is the Bar-Headed Goose from Asia. When migrating, they fly over the Himalayan mountains and Mount Everest at an altitude 30,750 feet. The temperature drops to -60°F! Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

13. You may have noticed that geese fly in a V shape while migrating. This is to minimize wind resistance, conserve energy and to stay close to each other. The geese in the back of the V honk honks of encouragement to the others in the front to keep going and maintain the V shape. When the front geese get tired, they will switch. Geese can fly 40 miles per hour and sometimes even 70 miles per hour if there is enough wind. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

14. This is the swan goose. They live in Mongolia, China, and Russia. They are on the vulnerable species list due to over hunting. So, they are more commonly found not in the wild but in domestication for protection. These three are in the Moscow zoo. It is common for swan geese to try (and succeed) to escape back into the wild. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

15. Some people keep geese as pets. They are said to be loyal and loving, like dogs. People also say that they are very good at guarding the house and keeping the yard free of weed. However, a house goose must wear a diaper at all times no matter how old they are. This is Dineh. She is a house goose. She has to wear a diaper at all times. That is her favorite basket. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

3/15/2022

16. Geese were the first birds ever domesticated by humans. It was in Egypt, over 3,000 years ago. This is the Egyptian goose. They live in Egypt. They are considered sacred by the Egyptian people and appear in a lot of their artwork. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

17. Technically, “goose” is the term for a female and “gander” is the term for a male. Just like in the song!! (Goosey goosey gander, whether shall I wander, upstairs or downstairs or in my lady’s chamber, there was an old man who would not say his prayers so I took him by the left leg and threw him down the stairs)
However, when referring to the species as a whole, they are simply called goose or geese. Example: swan goose or swan geese. When on land, a group of geese/ganders are called a gaggle, and when flying they are called a skein. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

 

18. Geese that are raised on farms are often rented out by cotton farmers to be used as chemical-free weeding during the commercial agriculture season. They are often called “cotton patch geese.” Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

19. Geese will ALWAYS come back to their birthplace to mate and nest. No matter where they have migrated to, they will travel back to their birthplace. They grow very attached to it and want to raise their goslings there. Good news! If every year you happen to see a family of geese in the same area as previous years, it is likely that they are the same geese you have always seen. At the very least it is the same family you have always seen...the previous year’s babies are now the adults! Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

20. This is a song about a goose called Gooseberry Goose. It’s a really good song. One of my students is playing it. He does not practice. It is upside down. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

3/22/2022

21. Remember the bar headed goose? The silly boy who flies over Mount Everest and the Himalayas during his migration route? (Reference the 12th fact) Scientists are perplexed as to how a modest goose can achieve such a feat when the air is so thin. To learn how their bodies work during that flight, scientists set up a simulation in a wind tunnel. This bar headed goose is wearing a mask that he has been trained to wear since he was a gosling. The wind tunnel test flights simulate the atmospheric conditions at the peak of Mount Everest. The mask provides the goose with the oxygen levels that they’d be breathing in at that high altitude. The mask also collects gas the goose breathes out to measure how much oxygen he uses during his flight. In order to find out exactly how high the geese fly, the experiment recreated the oxygen and nitrogen levels that the geese would receive at 6,000m (10% oxygen) and 9,000m (7% oxygen) above sea level. The results are still being analyzed. There shall be an update as soon as the results are in. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

22. This is the Abyssinian Blue Winged goose. They are found only in Ethiopia and are mostly nocturnal which is why very little is known about them. They are called the “mystery bird.” Despite being protected from hunting by local religious beliefs, they are on the vulnerable species list. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

23. For the most part, at least in America, geese are safe from the Thanksgiving menu. However, countries in Europe eat goose much more often for some reason than we do in America. The most probable reason for Thanksgiving turkey rather than Thanksgiving goose was that the early settlers were influenced by the queen, who preferred turkey. Another reason may be that Benjamin Franklin claimed that turkey would be more appropriate than goose since the turkey is native to North America, while geese are found all over the world. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

24. This is the Emperor Goose. The emperor goose lives in subarctic climates: the Bering Sea, Alaska, and north-East Russia. Surprisingly, when they migrate they migrate several hundred miles north, where it is even colder, in the arctic. When a mother emperor goose makes her nest, she makes it entirely out of her own feathers, which she plucks from herself. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

25. According to Native American oral tradition and legend, a terrifying creature called Big Goose is a bird of great power and strength. Big Goose, or binesi, is either a species or a single bird depending on who you ask. Either way he is intelligent, powerful, and wrathful. Humans must stay away from Big Goose. People today claim to see him in the woods in the pacific northwestern area of America. They claim he resembles an extremely large Canadian goose, about 30 feet tall and a wingspan of about 50 feet. They also claim he emits a foul odor and the air pressure changes when he is close by. That is how you know he will soon be upon you. Big Goose is not friendly, he will eat you and anything in his way. The earliest written record of Big Goose was in the 15th century in journals kept by French voyagers when they encountered the Ojibwe people, who told them of Big Goose. It is also believed that Big Goose migrated from the Great Lakes Region to the Pacific Northwest. Sightings increased greatly in the early 1900’s. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

3/29/2022

26. This is the Orinoco goose. They are found only in the tropical areas of South America, but lately a few have been found in Florida. That is either due to them deliberately escaping there or people continuously kidnapping them and taking them there. Those are the only two possible explanations, because there has been no evidence of them breeding in Florida. Who is kidnapping them?? Do they have their passports?!? They are named after the Orinoco river of Venezuela and Colombia, which happens to be one of the largest rivers in South America. Although they live on the riverbanks, they do not like to swim. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

27. We have all heard the stories and nursery rhymes of Mother Goose. But who is she, exactly? Is she really a goose? Although the identity and origin of Mother Goose is still unknown, some believe that she was a real human woman who lived in Boston during the 17th century named either Elizabeth Goose or Mary Goose, depending on who you ask. After becoming a widow, she moved in with her daughter and grandchildren. She loved to tell the grandchildren nursery rhymes and songs. Her son-in-law wrote down and published her rhymes. However, others believe that Mother Goose actually goes back to the 10th century. King Robert 2 of France had a wife who told tales and nursery rhymes, so she could be Mother Goose. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

28. In New Zealand, Thomas, a gander, is best friends with a male swan named Henry as well as his wife goose named Henrietta. Henrietta and Thomas have goslings together, but Henry the swan stays with them. They are all best friends. Thomas is the white one, Henry is the black swan at the top and Henrietta is the grey goose below. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

29. This is the Red Breasted goose. He is a clever and risky bird. They live in Arctic Siberia, mainly on the Taymyr Peninsula. They lay their eggs next to birds of prey, such as the snowy owl, peregrine falcon and the rough-legged buzzard in order to gain protection against their common mammal predators, such as the arctic fox. The closer the nest is to the birds of prey, the safer it is. It is very rare that the nest will get attacked by the birds of prey. It is unclear what the birds of prey receive, if anything, in return for their protection. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

30. The kelp goose lives primarily in coastal Chile, but will travel just about anywhere in order to find kelp. The kelp goose only eats kelp. The female kelp goose is darker than the male. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

4/5/2022

31. Have you ever heard the expression “take a gander” when talking about looking at something? It is about how the gander has a very long neck that he uses to survey the area. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

32. There have been a few cases of a swan and a goose that have mated and produced babies, but the occurrence is extremely rare. The name for a swan/goose baby is "swoose." In 2004 a wild swan and a wild goose had this single swoose. I swear this photo is not edited. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

33. This is the Hawaiian goose. He is also called the nēnē. The nēnē is native to Hawaii, and only found on the Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Hawaii. The nēnē gets his name from the soft call he makes, and it is generally believed that they evolved from the Canadian goose, which arrived in Hawaii 500,000 years ago, shortly after the islands were formed. They are very closely related to the Canadian geese that we see in our communities today. The nēnē also evolved from the prehistoric Giant Hawaii Goose and another goose called the nēnē-niu, neither of which are alive today. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

34. This is the Greater White-Fronted goose. They live near wetlands, rivers and ponds across the country but mainly west of the Mississippi. They like to hang out with other types of geese, but do not mate with them (unlike the parents of the swoose) (See fact 32). When disturbed by something, they are the first to leave, as they are very skittish and do not like confrontation. Instead of flying in a V formation like most geese, they like to fly single file. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

35. E. B. White once wrote an essay called “The Geese.” It is about a mother goose who lays 3 eggs but soon after that dies. The eggs have not been hatched yet, so E. B. White has the idea to give the eggs to a hen to see if she can hatch them. However, that does not work and the eggs are unable to be hatched. So, he decides to just buy 3 new goslings because their father is getting very depressed by the loss of his wife and it would just get worse if he knew he lost his goslings too. Here is an excerpt of the essay [Sad Alert]:

“My next concern was how to introduce these small creatures to their foster father, the old gander. I thought about that all the way home. I’ve had just enough experience with domesticated animals and birds to know that they are a bundle of eccentricities and crotchets, and I was not at all sure what sort of reception three strange youngsters would get from a gander who was full of sorrows and suspicions. (I once saw a gander, taken by surprise, seize a newly hatched gosling and hurl it the length of the barn floor.) I had an uneasy feeling that my three little charges might be dead within the hour, victims of a grief-crazed old fool. I decided to go slow. I fixed a makeshift pen for the goslings in the barn, arranged so that they would be separated from the gander but visible to him, and he would be visible to them. The old fellow, when he heard youthful voices, bustled right in to find out what was going on. He studied the scene in silence and with the greatest attention. I could not tell whether the look in his eye was one of malice or affection – a goose-s eye is a small round enigma. After observing this introductory scene for a while, I left and went into the house.

Half an hour later, I heard a commotion in the barnyard: the gander was in full cry. I hustled out. The goslings, impatient with life indoors, had escaped from their hastily constructed enclosure in the barn and had joined their foster father in the barnyard. The cries I had heard were his screams of welcome – the old bird was delighted with the turn that events had taken. His period of mourning was over, he now had interesting and useful work to do, and he threw himself into the role of father with immense satisfaction and zeal, hissing at me with renewed malevolence, shepherding the three children here and there, and running interference against real and imaginary enemies. My fears were laid to rest. In the rush of emotion that seized him at finding himself the head of a family, his thoughts turned immediately to the pond, and I watched admiringly as he guided the goslings down the long, tortuous course through the weedy lane and on down across the rough pasture between blueberry knolls and granite boulders. It was a sight to see him hold the heifers at bay so the procession could pass safely. Summer was upon us, the pond was alive again. I brought the three eggs up from the cellar and dispatched them to the town dump.

At first, I did not know the sex of my three goslings. But nothing on two legs grows any faster than a young goose, and by early fall it was obvious that I had drawn one male and two females. You tell the sex of a goose by its demeanor and its stance – the way it holds itself, its general approach to life. A gander carries his head high and affects a threatening attitude. Females go about with necks in a graceful arch and are less aggressive. My two young females looked like their mother, parti-colored. The young male was quite different. He feathered out white all over except for his wings, which were a very light, pearly gray. Afloat on the pond, he looked almost like a swan, with his tall, thin white neck and his cocked-up white tail – a real dandy, full of pompous thoughts and surly gestures.” 

Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

4/12/2022

36. Goose, foot, and tooth are the only words in the English language that have oo in the singular form and change to ee in the plural form.
Goose=geese
Foot=feet
Tooth=teeth
Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack

37. This is the Chinese goose. They have a large bump on their heads that is primarily used to determine gender. The bump is much more pronounced on males than on females. They look similar to the African goose (refer to fact #4). They can lay up to 100 eggs during one breeding season! In japan, Chinese geese are white. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

38. Peng is a Chinese Goose (refer to fact 37). Peng and four other Chinese geese were being raised for slaughter. A woman who lived near the farm was determined to save them, so she bought them all and gave them to a goose sanctuary in China. To this day, Peng and his friends are still roaming the sanctuary with their new goose friends. This is a photo of Peng. Isn’t he handsome? Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

39. It has come to my attention that there is some anti-goose propaganda in the media. I happened to find this very untrue and harsh image. DO NOT BE FOOLED. Geese are indeed your friends. I am currently investigating the location of the person who made this disturbing claim. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

40. In Montana, this goose saved this puppy from freezing by snuggling him under her wings until help arrived. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

4/19/2022

41. There is a video game called the Untitled Goose Game where a goose walks around and bothers the villagers. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

42. This is the Cape Barren Goose. They are one of the rarest geese in the world, and are very unique. Their ability to be able to drink salt water allows them to live on many offshore islands all year round. They are found mainly on the offshore islands of Australia. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

43. Most of the time, geese sleep right on the water. Despite being out in the open, they are rather safe because their predators (such as eagles) also sleep at night. Additionally, if any predators were to come for them in the water, they would be sending out vibrations in the water which would wake the goose up. Geese (most of the time) cannot sleep in trees like so many other birds do, due to their webbed feet (although there have been some sightings of Canadian Geese nesting in trees. Stay tuned). Sometimes they also sleep standing up on one leg. How silly. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

44. This is a painting by Claude Cardon called “Table of Cows, Chickens, and Geese.” Claude Cardon lived 1864-1937 and painted mostly animals. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

45. This is the bean goose. They love beans. Technically there are 2 varieties, one inhabiting tundra habitats and the other inhabiting taiga habitats. Some consider them separate species (tundra bean goose and taiga bean goose) but they are actually a single species. They live in Northern Europe and Asia, being a very rare winter visitor to Britain. They are the most common bird in Finland. They typically nest at the foot of a tree or next to a fallen trunk. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

4/26/2022

46. This is the pink footed goose. They are very closely related to the bean goose (see fact 45). They are also extremely similar in appearance. They live and nest in Greenland and Iceland but migrate all across the North Atlantic to spend the winters in Britain and northwestern Europe. They are the most common winter goose in Britain. They are very skittish birds and like to stay out of sight. It is common for some of them to sometimes accidentally go the wrong way, away from the rest of the gaggle. That is why they can sometimes be found in North America and Canada for a short time. When that happens, they tend to spend a little time with other geese before they realize they are not their family and fly back to be with them. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

47. The anti-goose media is at it again. I stumbled upon this horrid image of a man frightening an innocent goose. Stop the harassment. The geese are God’s creatures too. Here are some helpful ways to humanely get rid of geese on your property.
1. Tear up your grass. Geese love well maintained lawns, so if yours is garbage they won’t come.
2. Offer to maintain your neighbor’s lawn and keep it beautiful and immaculate. The geese will be attracted to his lawn instead of yours.
Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

48. These are some Canadian geese I saw at work. The female sits on her nest while the male stands by, keeping guard of his mate and eggs. He is a good father. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

49. I saw them again. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

50. How do you tell a male goose from a female goose? With other birds it is more obvious; the males are more brightly colored to attract mates. But with geese, it is not as easy to tell. Canadian geese are identical in terms of markings so to tell them apart, look at their size. Males are larger. Also, their call is different. Males have a lower and slower “Honk” and females have a faster and higher “hink.” Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack. 

5/3/2022

51. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8kGNzwciH0M
Watch this video now. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

52. The closest relatives to geese are ducks and swans. Geese, ducks, and swans are all cousins in the family Anatidae. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

53. However, it is interesting to note that the magpie goose is in its own family, Anseranatidae, and not in the family Anatidae like the rest of the geese, swans, and ducks (see fact 52). The magpie goose is also the only species in that family. The reason for them being in their own exclusive family is due to physical differences unique to their species of goose. Their bill structure is unique to them and fits into the category of Anseranatide, in which they are the only members. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack. 

54. This is the Magpie goose. In addition to fact 53, here is more about them. They are found in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. When it is not in their breeding season, they have a habit of wandering, so they are sometimes found all over Australia just because they enjoy wandering. They are on the protective species list due to the drainage of wetlands where they like to breed. They are believed to be one of the oldest, if not the oldest, species of goose, as a fossil of them from 65 million years ago has been discovered in Australia. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

55. I have been informed that there is a Canadian goose that lives at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan and has a nest there. Her mate is close by and chases the cars in the parking lot! Please take care when driving in parking lots. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

5/10/2022

56. It is suspected that geese may play a role in transmission of avian influenza virus, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and antibiotic resistance. On the other hand, at present there is no evidence that geese and swans play a role in transmission of Newcastle disease, duck plague, West Nile virus, Vibrio, Yersinia, Clostridium, Chlamydophila, and Borrelia. Finally, based on present knowledge it is not possible to say if geese and swans play a role in transmission of Escherichia coli, Pasteurella, Helicobacter, Brachyspira, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Microsporidia. Please do not ask me what these mean. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack. *These are not real geese wearing masks*

57. In 1989, 165 Canadian geese were fitted with plastic collars. The collars were used to track their migration patterns and other behavior. The tracking collars provided a lot of much needed information about their behavior and migration patterns and it was also noted that geese that had the collars had a higher mating rate and produced more goslings than those without the collars. The study concluded that the collars do not hurt the birds and are an excellent way to learn about them. They also appear to attract mates (try it out). Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

58. See fact 34. In 2001-2003, there was a study done to see if the greater white-fronted goose was a carrier of avian cholera. This study was done in Alaska and it was concluded that they do carry it, but there has been no evidence of them passing it along to humans or other animals. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

59. See fact 46. In 1974/75, a number of pink footed geese were poisoned. It is believed that their poisoning came from carbophenothion poisoning following the ingestion of treated winter wheat seed. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

60. It has now been proven that insulin promotes liver cell growth in geese. Sick geese are sometimes given insulin and it helps them greatly. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

5/17/2022

61. Despite the fact that Canadian geese migrate in most places, they do not migrate from Florida. The ones that live in Florida stay in Florida year round. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

62. This is the Sebastopol goose. They are known for their long white, sometimes curly, feathers that reach the ground. They are from Southeastern Europe and cannot fly. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

63. This is the snow goose. In the summer they live on arctic tundra and in the winter they migrate to coastal marshes in North America. Unlike some other species of geese, they always stay together. You will never see a lone snow goose. Some snow geese are blue instead of white, and if a blue snow goose and white snow goose mate with each other, the goslings can be either color. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

64. In 1996 there was a movie made called Fly Away Home. It is about a girl who finds an abandoned nest of goose eggs and when they hatch, they must migrate for the winter. So she is the one who leads them south. She flies in an airplane and the geese follow. Kinda strange. 6.8/10 stars. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

65. See fact 41. The video game "The Untitled Goose Game" has been a hit since it was released. Clearly it has influenced one naughty Canadian goose who flew into a taxi, and "exhibited a power stance in the backseat of a taxi, completely doused in what appears to be greenish goose excrement. Shards of glass cover the floor, seats and door. The goose peers menacingly through the back window, perhaps identifying a new objective on its checklist of nefarious activities." Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

5/24/2022

66. In addition to fact 65, goose related crime has gone up 2,000% since the release of the Untitled Goose Game. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

67. During the first week of October, Nottingham, England hosts its historic Goose Fair. It is a fun fair with rides and attractions, but focuses on geese. There is a large goose trade and they are known for their excellent cheese. The fair was canceled in 1646 due to the bubonic plague, during both World Wars and in 2020 and 2021 for COVID-19. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

68. This is the Shetland goose. They originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. The males have blue eyes. They have been used by farmers on the islands to prepare the grass for grazing by sheep by eating all the parasites that would be harmful for the sheep. They have a small presence in North America due to farmers bringing them to New York in 1997. They are very brave and will band together to ward off predators. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

69. The Roman goose is one of the most endangered livestock in the world. They are on the "critical" list for the Livestock Conservancy. They originated in Italy more than 2,000 years ago (that's why they are called roman geese). The Romans considered them sacred to Juno, the goddess of marriage. In 365 BC, the Gauls tried to sneak into Rome to steal the capitol in the middle of the night. But it was a roman goose who honked, awoke Marcus Manlius, and saved the capitol. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

70. Some of a goose's favorite foods are lettuce, cabbage, and cauliflower leaves (but not the cauliflower itself). Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

5/31/2022

71. The Holy Martyr St. Tryphon of Campsada, now Turkey, lived in the 3rd century and is commemorated by Eastern Orthodox Christians as well as Roman Catholics. His feast day is February 1st. He was tortured and eventually beheaded. As a boy, he took care of geese and other birds. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

72. There is an old legend that dates back to the 3rd century about two geese who were looking for food when they stumbled upon a turtle. They started talking to the turtle and soon they became great friends. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

73. In the 17th-19th centuries in Belgium, North America, the Netherlands and England, a horrible game was played called "Goose Pulling" and it consisted of killing a goose in a horrific way. Not for food, just for fun. It is absolutely horrific I am not even going to tell you or provide an image. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

74. The ancient Egyptians had a great respect for geese and other birds. Many of their gods are depicted with bird heads. One reason for this was that they could fly, so they were out of reach of humans and thus magical and mysterious. They even included geese in their hieroglyphics and mummified them. See fact #16. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

75. In the year 222, geese helped save Barcelona from Christian persecution. The persecution was under the rule of emperors Diocletian and Maximian. The city was under the rule of governor Dacian. Diacian's goal was to rid the city of all Christians. A young martyr named St. Eulalia went to confront Diacian about his persecution. She was tortured and eventually she was crucified. At the very moment she died, a flock of snow geese flew down to her body and suddenly the entire city was covered in snow. Many people were converted and the persecution stopped. Some accounts say it was a dove (the Holy Spirit is often depicted as a dove) but others say it was snow geese. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

6/7/2022

76. This is the Bavarian landrace goose. They are considered a very important part of the culture in Germany. They were hunted a lot before the second World War, but after that they have been more protected. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack. 

77. Canadian geese are known for sometimes nesting in strange areas. Parking lots, for example, are one of them. See facts #48 and 55. The reason for this is because flat areas often have good visibility to see predators coming from. Predators may not venture into the parking lot due to the cars. Chances are the parking lot is close to water as well. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

78. Canadian geese are very smart in hailstorms. Hail can be more harmful to smaller creatures like geese and sometimes they have nowhere to go when it hails. So, they stand up straight with their necks outstretched and their heads looking straight up. This way they are a smaller target for the hail and they can dodge the ice easier. Very very brave. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

79. Canadian geese are sometimes known to mate with other species of geese. This is a mix between a Canadian goose and a snow goose. Very handsome. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

80. Goose rhymes with moose. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

6/15/2022

81. This is the goosefish. He lives in the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They live on the muddy and sandy bottoms of continental shelf and continental slope, about 1,000 feet deep. They get their name because fishermen say that their mouths are so wide they could swallow a goose whole! Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack. Thank you to Steve for submitting this fact. 

82. A program called Desktop Goose is a virtual goose that you can download to your desktop. He controls and patrols your screen! However, DO NOT download him, as the anti-goose media has made him malware! Hopefully through awareness and activism we can cleanse him of this malware. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack. Thank you to Mia for submitting this fact. 

83. Whatever a gosling sees when they first hatch, they will bond to. This includes anything that moves, whether it is alive or not. It may also include people if you happen to be around when the goslings are hatching. They will follow and be dedicated to whatever person or object that they’ve bonded to. This applies to ducks too. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

84. Some geese, especially the Canadian goose, like to nest in trees. It is not very common due to their webbed feet, but it happens. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

85. On 4/9/2020, I had a dream that moose were contracting measles from snow geese, but they called the measles “moosesles.” Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

6/21/2022

86. Geese that are raised on farms with chickens often form bonds to each other and share nests for their eggs. The goose and the hen will share a nest, and then become joint mothers to the babies. The male geese and roosters will both stand guard together. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

87. In Victorian England, geese would often accompany the chimney sweep. The goose would go down the chimney and emerge the other end with the built up coal that he would collect. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

88. See fact 5 on geese guarding Chinese police stations. In addition to that, geese were also used to defend a Scottish brewery and the Temple of Juno in ancient Rome. (See fact 69.) Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

89.  Onions, chocolate, coffee and tea are all poisonous to geese. Moldy bread is especially toxic, it causes a horrible lung infection that the goose cannot recover from. This is why, if you must feed them bread, you feed them only bread that is not moldy. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

90. However, in reference to fact 88, you should not feed geese bread. They love bread but it offers no nutritional value to the goose. If the goose is used to people feeding him bread and crackers all the time, he will not seek out healthier foods which can lead to many health problems and cause him to be malnourished. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

91. Geese love bananas. They eat all of the banana, including the peel. The peel is their favorite part. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack. 

6/28/2022

92. Goose Island is in the Les Cheneaux Islands in Lake Huron off the coast of Michigan’s upper peninsula. About 10 miles northeast of Mackinac island. I had the privilege of going there two years ago.  It is long and icky, with no sign of human life. Seagulls, cormorants, herrings and other wildlife are the only inhabitants.
The cormorant population is steeply declining. In 2004, there were almost 1,800 nests on the island. Two years later, there was not one. That’s 6,000 birds gone! This was due a Cheboygan hunter named Chet Romanik who brought raccoons by boat to the island. The raccoons chased them off. Romanik brought the raccoons because the cormorants were a threat to his rabbit hunting. Cormorant feces are acidic and destroy vegetation. A large flock of them could turn an entire forested area into a sandy place with no vegetation for the rabbits.
The raccoons would not harm the adult birds, but they ate only their eggs. Over the two year period of time, every cormorant left to seek a safer place for their eggs. Control of them has been backed by the U.S. government, but not necessarily by way of raccoon militia. Cormorants eat a pound of fish a day, which is greatly affecting the fish population in the Les Cheneaux islands. They approved a plan to use lethal control to preserve the sport fish population.
There is now a healthy number of them on the island, but they are still a big threat to the fish. The use of lethal control of the birds is being debated; it is not wanted for them all to be gone, but it is wildly desired that their population be controlled.

 P.S: No geese. Disappointing. Must wear shoes if visiting (ground is pokey). Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

7/6/2022

93. Refer to fact #50 about Canadian goose calls and fact #63 about snow geese. Geese make about 10 different sounds, depending on their situation. A female Canadian goose makes a higher pitched and faster “hink” and a male Canadian goose makes a lower and slower “honk.” But all geese honk! Here are some of their sounds as well as some snow geese sounds:

Canadian:

Pair Call: HONK honk HINK HINK HONK

Flight Call: HOOOONK HOOOONK hink HOOONK

Mating Call: hawonk hawonk hawonk 

(note: this may work on humans. try it out)

Time to Fight: HISSSS HISSSSS

(note: if you ever hear a goose say this, he is preparing to attack!)

 

Snow:

Snow geese are the noisiest of all geese. 

Flock Call: hawk hawk hawk hawk

Individual Call: ZINK zink Zink zink

Mating Call: ZWONK ZWONK ZWONK

(note: this will not work on humans)

 

Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack. 

94. NO! THIS IS NOT THE CANADIAN GOOSE!!
This is the Cackling Goose. They are alarmingly similar in appearance to the Canada goose, but the main difference is their size. Cackling geese have smaller bodies and heads and have shorter necks than Canadian geese. The cackling goose is very newly recognized as its own goose; for many years they were considered a subspecies of the Canadian goose. They nest along ponds and streams in the tundra. They are also known to be nicer than Canadian geese.

There are 4 races of cackling geese:

1. Richardson’s
2. Taverner’s
3. Aleutian
4. Cackling 

96. This is the Ross's goose. The Ross's goose resembles a snow goose, being white with black wing tips. However, Ross's geese have a shorter neck and stubbier bill. They form very large flocks but have also been known to join flocks of snow geese in smaller numbers. There is no evidence to suggest crossbreeding. Unlike the snow goose, the Ross's goose eats plants on the surface of the ground, while snow geese root around in the ground with their bill, giving them slightly yellow stains. Before the 1900’s they were considered a rare species due to hunting and sale at California markets. But ever since they were protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, their numbers have grown dramatically. They are now on the list of “Species of Least Concern.” They have been illegal to hunt in the US since 1931. They get their name from a guy named Ross who discovered their arctic nesting grounds. Ross's geese nest in arctic climates but migrate to North America to breed. They have been known to completely strip vast areas of vegetation down to the bare ground. Some of these areas can be seen from space. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

97. The best artist in the world is Vicki Sawyer. She is known for her very good paintings of animals wearing “natural hats.” A natural hat is a stack of fruit, vegetables, plants or flowers on top of their heads. I can’t get enough of them. One of her paintings is a goose named Miranda. The painting is called “Miranda Goose” and she is wearing a natural hat consisting of green onions.

Check out the website to see her paintings!

https://www.vickisawyer.com/
Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend Yourself from a goose attack.

7/23/2022

98. A Yorkshire goose named Tilly has been given a new lower beak, as his real one got torn off when he got tangled in a barbed wire fence at 6 months old. Tilly, for 6 years, was able to eat with only his tongue. Eventually it became too difficult and he stopped eating. His owner was desperate to save him because he loves him. Doctors Andy MacGregor and Chris Siddons performed the groundbreaking surgery in 2013 under general anesthesia where they bolted into place a new lower beak made from dental acrylic. The doctors did the surgery for free. Tilly is still alive and well today! Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

99. Here is a free coloring page from Vicki Sawyer. See newsletter #96. It is a barnacle goose! See newsletter #9. Stay tuned next time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

Stay tuned only ONE MORE TIME!

7/26/2022

The moment you have all been waiting for

How to defend yourself from a goose attack

100. Finally the moment you have been waiting for. It is time to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack. 

Firstly, you need to know if a goose is about to attack. If you know the inevitable attack is coming, you can prepare yourself for the worst. Signs a goose is about to attack:

1. Sounds. The goose may honk or hiss in aggravation 
2. Body. The goose will pump his head up and down in a vertical motion and stretch his wings out, trying to appear rather large. 
3. Movement. When attacking, the goose will run at you at top speed with his head pointed down, allowing for maximum drive. 

But what do you do now? Should you just stand there? no. This is what you do.

 1. Stare him down.  Geese have excellent vision and can tell when you are looking directly at them. Looking directly at them shows that you are focused and not afraid. If he thinks you will hold your ground, he likely will leave if he no longer considers you a threat. Do not close your eyes or squint!  

2. Back away slowly without turning your back. The act of not turning your back shows that you are not going to back down. Slowly inch away but do not turn your back or stop looking at the goose. 

3. In addition to the last one, do not run. Running away from the goose will 100% make him chase you. And trust me, you cannot outrun him. Backing away slowly while maintaining eye contact is your best bet. 

4. Try to scare him off. Do this by making very loud noises, whatever you have to do in order to make the noise. Do this with caution: it may work but you could also make the goose think you’re an even bigger threat which will make him want to attack. 

5. If the goose flies at your face, duck or move away at a 90 degree angle, still facing the attacking goose. Always face the goose. 

Note: do not punch, kick, or hit the goose. Geese are skittish and are more reactive to the threat of physical harm than actual physical harm. 

Bottom line: you want to make the goose see that you are not a threat. If he doesn’t think you’re a threat, he won’t attack. Geese only attack things they see as a threat to their families.

8/5/2022

101. This very handsome goose was spotted among a flock of Canadian geese in Ontario in 2018. He looks like he just has a very handsome case of albinism, but this is really the extremely rare Leucistic Canada Goose. Leucism is similar to albinism in the sense that it is caused by a genetic mutation. But unlike albinism, leucism can produce some pigment, leaving the goose with some light brown in feathers.

102. This is the Dewlap Toulouse goose. They are the largest geese in the world, with males weighing 19-20 pounds and females weighing 15-17 pounds. Also, he is French.

103. This is the Öland goose. He is extremely rare: there are only 111 recorded individuals. They are native to the island of Öland in Sweden. Their breed is so extremely primitive that  absolutely nothing is known of their origin other than they are from Öland island. This is one of the 111! 

104. This is a book called “The True Story of Penelope” by Gillian Bice. It looks like a very good book. It is a true story about a little Canadian gosling. I will check it out at the library and send a book review. We can also form a book club if anyone is interested.

105. In 2014, Mike Jivangee and his friends were out boating on a lake when they saw a tiny Canadian gosling drowning in the water. She had a bad foot and couldn’t swim. Mike saved her and dropped her off on a nearby island with lots of geese so she could be with her family. Sadly, the other geese refused to accept her and left. Mike took her home and took care of her. When she was strong enough to fly, he released her. But she came back. This happened a lot of times; she always came back to Mike. He named her Kyle (thought she was a boy). Now that is her permanent home and they are best friends.

 

8/9/2022

106. The anti-goose media is at it again. They have released false information on how to defend yourself from a goose attack. You, dear reader, now know the correct way. However it is important to be aware of misinformation in the media so that we may stop it. 

107. This is the light bellied Brent goose. They are one of the rarest geese, with only 6,000 recorded individuals. However, 10 years ago there was a mysterious disappearance of about 2,000 of them. Every winter, about half of the light bellied Brent geese head to the UK to Lindisfarne to spend the winter and the other half head to Denmark to spend the winter. However, in 2010 there was something known as "the big freeze" that caused the Danish wetlands to freeze over. The Brent geese couldn't go there, so they were expected to join the others in Lindisfarne, but they never showed up. Where did they go???

108. At long last, the results are in: the study on how the bar-headed goose flies over the Himalayas. See fact #21. For a reminder, the study was conducted on bar-headed geese using a wind tunnel and mask that would simulate the air pressure at such a high elevation (29,029 feet). Scientists discovered that the geese are able to do this extremely challenging flight by supporting their metabolic power as the air becomes hypoxic. In other words, they can maintain and modify their metabolism as the air becomes toxic at that altitude (hypoxia). They can also regulate their heart rate and body temperature, allowing them to tolerate hypoxia that sets them aside from everyone else. It is a specialized physiology, and a great example of how animals evolve specializations over time. It explains some of it but unfortunately it still does not paint a completely clear picture on how the geese are able to do this. The bar-headed goose will remain a mystery.

109. Have you ever thought about where the game "duck duck goose" came from? It is the stereotype that geese are mean and chase you. And the stereotype that ducks are nicer. Just look at it. 

Duck

Duck

Goose

8/18/2022

110. Researchers have found that ducks are the ancient ancestors of geese, and that it was the eating habits of the ancient ducks that led to the evolution of geese. Fossils have been found of the ducks in the Upper Cretaceous Rocks of Antarctica, that date back 66 million years. However it is suspected that they go back even further into the Mesozoic era. Data analysis revealed that there was a strong correlation between dietary preferences and beak shape. Ducks tend to have relatively long, wide-tipped beaks that can accommodate a lot of water. Ducks feed by filtering out food such as invertebrates and plant seeds from water, whereas geese evolved to feed on the leaves and roots of plants. Most geese have shorter, narrower beaks better designed for feeding on plants.
From left to right shows the evolution of duck to geese skulls. Note the beak size and shape.

111. Everyone knows that true elegance is wearing shoes that look exactly like your feet. Geese may have had the upper hand on this since the mid 1980’s, when The Great Canadian Goose Boots were invented. They slip seamlessly over the foot of each goose and allow him or her to browse for hours on surfaces of any temperature. So next time you see a Canadian goose, it may very well be an elegant, high-society goose with excellent fashion taste.
Note: these are for geese, not humans (but maybe it would be ok to try on human babies).

112. This is Gator and he is a house goose (see fact 15). He lives with his human family in Florida, and they love to take walks. Unfortunately the hot pavement is too hot for his feet. Thankfully he now has sandals so he can walk anywhere he wants!

113. This is Mario and he is a Toulouse goose (see fact 102). He lived in Echo Lake Park in Southern California. For some reason, he formed an extreme bond with Dominic Ehrler, a man who would frequent the park. Mario would follow him around the park and even fly after his motorcycle when he went home. It was strange because Dominic never fed him, so it can only be explained as love. Eventually Mario became famous and was moved to a local zoo for his safety. Dominic visited him every day.

8/23/2022

114. I have discovered a car belonging to Geese Chasers, a humane method of goose removal. They use specially trained herd dogs (good boys) to chase the geese away. While this is not much fun for the geese, it is not harmful to them in any way and much better than the lethal methods of goose control that do not even work. Thank you Geese Chasers!

115. In 2019, this Canadian goose was shot in the chest with a hunting arrow, but survived. Someone spotted him walking around and called animal control, but it took 10 days to catch him. He underwent surgery and is doing much better! He has been named Pierce.

116. Please enjoy this fun mission. Help the nice goose!

117. This is the West of England goose. They have been bread for countless generations throughout the UK and the West Country from the same flock, so although that means pure-breeding, it also means they have become somewhat inbred. One effect of that is that they have gotten smaller over time.

8/30/2022

118. This is the Dusky Canadian goose, a subspecies of Canadian goose. They look almost exactly the same except they are smaller and a deeper brown color, rather than the more grey body of the regular Canadian goose.  They are found in North America, mostly in Canada and Alaska. They only breed on Middleton Island in Alaska. Their population has gone down since the 1960’s due to Alaskan predators such as bears on the island.  As a result, it is illegal to hunt Dusky’s. This makes it risky to hunt Canadian geese since it can be hard to tell the subspecies apart from regular Canadian geese. Hunters in that area must take a test to be sure they can tell the different subspecies of Canadian geese apart.

119. It is well known that many species of birds, including geese, fly in a V formation, especially while migrating. They have been observed to fly for days and sometimes weeks non-stop. Do they sleep? A new study from the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology confirms that geese and other birds do sleep while they are flying long distances. The study was conducted by researchers attaching small devices onto the heads of the birds while they were on land, small EEG machines that would record the bird’s brain activity. The EEG showed that the birds sleep while flying about 3% of the flight and that they only utilize one hemisphere of the brain while doing so, a process called unihemispheric slow wave sleep (USWS). This also allows them to sleep with one eye open to make sure they don’t run into any danger.

120. Have you ever wondered where the term “goosebumps” comes from? It is because the skin of a goose with no feathers has those bumps naturally. That is what goose skin looks like. I won’t include a picture because this is a G rated newsletter. No naked geese!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also here is a video of a goose sneezing. I encourage you to watch it and tell him bless you 
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H9UywqEUxpk
(Copy and paste it into browser)
Also, who can tell me what kind of goose he is??

9/6/2022

Congratulations, Brian! You are the winner of last week's trivia!

To remind everyone, I sent a video of a goose sneezing and asked you what type of goose he is. Brian was the first to answer correctly that the goose was a Chinese Goose! Your prize will be mailed to you sometime this year.

121. I have come across a children's book, Borka: The Adventures of a Goose with No Feathers. Has anyone read it? It is a really good book, but it is also incredibly sad. I have prepared a short character analysis of the book.

https://mcusercontent.com/0b2d21d73673b4de87cdded31/files/50f0a9f3-984e-2b5e-a0f3-afc10987316a/Borka_Report.pdf

122. I have come across a disturbing anti-goose propaganda company called Goose Busters. They are located in Holly, MI and claim to humanely remove Canadian geese from your property. They claim to relocate them to another location. However, one of their removal methods is nest destruction. How obscene! I will be forming an elite team to take them down. Send your resume if interested. 

123. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission posted this PSA on Twitter to be sure that you have working carbon monoxide alarms in your home. The use of brave geese is a very nice touch. 

124. I have come across this photo of a chunky goose. I don’t know if he has been photoshopped or if this is really him, but he is very handsome. Apparently he is a meme called “Goots” and if anyone is interested, I can send a weight-loss plan specialized for geese.

125. The London Fire Brigade has posted a list of unacceptable reasons to call them. These are calls that have actually come in, and the men are sick of them. One of them has to do with helping a goose who was stuck on the roof. 

1. A goose stuck on a roof
2. A cockatoo being bullied by pigeons
3. Multiple people trapped in a toilet seat
4. People locked in a library
5. A man reciting the Lord's Prayer
6. A kitten with a drum stuck on her head
7. Woman calling to say she is scared of spiders
8. Caller said he was eating a hot chili and his mouth was on fire
9. Man saying his pants were on fire
10. French man asking for help translating words to English

This is the actual goose that was stuck! He is ok now.

9/13/2022

126.  Ever since this dog’s owners brought home a gosling, the two have been best friends. As the gosling grew to be an adult, their bond continued to grow. Now the dog has puppies, and the goose helps her care for them. The goose has become the best nanny!

127. This is the Tula Fighting Goose. He lives in Tula, Russia and has been bred for centuries to fight other Tula Geese. Only males fight, but females sit in the arena simply to excite the fighting males!  It is a very popular gambling sport, and one that is surprisingly tame. The geese strike with their wings only. It is extremely rare for bloodshed or death to occur. A goose that uses his beak is disqualified.

The male strikes with his wings as the female sits by looking pretty. Don’t worry, everyone is ok!

128. This is the American Buff Goose. They were originally bred in the UK but are common on American farms. They are very friendly and produce many eggs so they are a good farm goose. Also, they have very striking apricot feathers. They stand out quite nicely floating in a pond. 

9/20/2022

129. This is the Pomeranian goose. He is from Germany but is prevalent throughout Europe and the United States. In the United States, he is usually white. They are very large geese that lay up to 70 eggs per season, so they make good farm geese. Additionally, they are known to be good chicken guards and watch geese because they tend to greet visitors noisily. 

130. As previously stated, geese will return to their birthplace to nest. But it goes beyond that: they will also use the same nest for their eggs as they did previous years. As a result, geese will spend hours a day making improvements to their nest by adding things like twigs and leaves, or removing things they no longer like.

131. This very brave mother Canadian goose saved her eggs that were in a burning nest. Investigators proved that the nest was deliberately set on fire (they will notify me when they discover who is the culprit). The mother goose sat on the nest while it was burning, and even tried to put the fire out with her feathers and her tongue. As a result, she was injured and unable to fly. Luckily, someone spotted her and saved her. She is currently in rehab but will soon be good enough to fly again. 5 out of the 6 eggs were able to be saved.

132. It is time for a new trivia question!!!
What is the male term for a goose?

9/27/2022

Congratulations, Collin! You are the winner of last week's trivia!

To remind everyone, I sent a trivia question asking what the term is for a male goose. Collin was the first to answer correctly that a male goose is called a Gander. Your prize will be mailed to you sometime this year.

133. This is the African Pygmy Goose. Due to his stubby bill, he is really more like a duck. However, he is still considered a goose. They are the smallest waterfowl in the world, measuring at only 12 inches long. They like to nest in the trees of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar with their friends, the Mandarin Duck and the Wood Duck. They are shy and secretive, meaning that not much is known about their communication.

134. This is the Andean Goose. They are an especially chunky goose, with females looking exactly the same as males but smaller. They live in the Andes Mountains in South America. They are able to live well above 9,800 feet above sea level due to a special adaptation in their hemoglobin that allows them to process oxygen more efficiently. They avoid swimming except in emergencies.

135. Angel-Wing Syndrome is a condition that affects geese and other birds when they do not get the proper diet. It is caused by a nutritional deficiency in vitamins and minerals combined with a high level of carbohydrates and sugars. This mostly occurs when humans will feed the geese bread and crackers. It causes the carpal joint on the wing to grow awkwardly, leaving the wing unable to sit flush at the bird’s side. This affects their ability to fly and the growth of their primary flight feathers. However, this damage can be reversed if the proper diet is introduced! Please do not feed geese bread! Do not worry he is ok.

136. Geese are able to see four primary colors, unlike humans who can only see three. They are also able to see colors more vibrantly than we do, especially green, which comes in handy for identifying the best plants to eat. They also have night vision that is 10x greater than ours, and kaleidoscope vision which allows them to see colors near the ultraviolet spectrum (that are invisible to humans!)

9/29/2022

September 29th is National Goose Day!

Good afternoon, loyal subscribers! Today is perhaps one of the best days of the year, Goose Day! 

Also known as Michaelmas Day, it was created in 480 by Pope Felix 3. It is celebrated in Juniata and Mifflin countries but immigration took it to Pennsylvania. In the old countries, it was a day where everybody paid their rent, often with a handsome goose. In Pennsylvania there is a goose festival. 

See you there later today!

Here is a song to be played on Goose Day!!!

 https://youtu.be/5OAIWsxH7T0 

Here are some activities to help you participate in the festivities.

10/4/2022

137. This is Liquid Fence Goose Repellent. It is a spray that makes the lawn (the goose's meal) undesirable to the geese. This will make them leave the area in search of more desirable food sources. It is a humane way to deter the geese! 

138. This is the Pilgrim Goose. They are very unique in the goose world because they exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning each gender is a different color. Males are always white and females are always gray. This is true even at birth, so telling the two genders apart is rather easy.

139. This is the Spur-Winged Goose. They live in the wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Due to a number of distinct anatomical features that other geese and ducks do not have, they are treated as their own subfamily, the Plectropterinae. They are the largest African waterfowl and are poisonous if consumed due to their diet of poisonous blister beetles. Even 10mg of the cooked goose can kill a human.

140. There has been a shooting of 4 innocent Chinese Geese at a sanctuary in Philadelphia. Police have offered a $500 reward for the identity of the shooter. Please step forward and let them know if you know the identity of the person. We must avenge them. 

10/11/2022

141. It was the wing feathers of geese that made most of the quill pens in history. From the 6th century until the 1820's when steel pens took over, everyone wrote with a goose feather. Geese feathers have a hollow shaft that is ideal for storing ink. You could even write up to 6 words without re-dipping. Your favorite book or poem may have been written with the help of a goose!

142. Many migratory geese, such as Canadian and Ross’s Geese, are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. (See fact #96 for the Ross’s Goose.) This Act was put in place due to the numbers of migratory birds declining drastically due to colonies settling right in their migratory path. However, the Act worked so well that we now have (what some may consider to be) an excess of geese, such as Canadian geese, in our country. Believe it or not, there was a time when a Canadian goose in a neighborhood pond was a rare sight! There are 1,026 bird species protected by the Act.

143. Just in case the anti-goose media is reading this, don’t get any bright ideas! It is very illegal to harm or kill a migratory goose or their nests or eggs without permission from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 
Prohibited actions include capturing, killing, selling, shipping, exporting, baiting, and hunting. You may hunt a goose if you have the proper permits. Fines for violating this include fines from $5,000-$15,000, imprisonment for 6 months or more for misdemeanor and felony charges if it’s really bad. 

144. Another fun fact about the history of the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act: the main event that caused this change to happen was when a young ornithologist named Frank Chapman, to his horror, observed 542 ladies’ hats in one afternoon in Manhattan adorned with whole dead birds and their body parts. Not just feathers, but body parts like eyes and wings, and sometimes the entire body was put on a hat for fashion. 

145. Here is a funny goose joke.
Q: What did the goose order for lunch?
A: Asparagoose

10/18/2022

146. Happy birthday Jack! These geese are also celebrating their birthdays.

147. A Greater White Fronted goose took over a baseball game last week. He was the star of the show, and it is being debated why he was there. Was he old and confused by the stadium lights? Or was he injured? Some think that based on the way he was sitting he must be injured. However he was taken off of the field and safely released. It is very possible that he was following migration patterns when he became distracted and confused by the lights. Definitely the most handsome one there. Thank you to Brian for submitting this fact!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byfZVXUmt10&authuser=0

148. Here is a goose being very naughty on a fence. Notice that there is a sign telling people to keep off the fence! Crazy! Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact!

149. This photo has been going around the internet, sparking whimsical and wholesome stories about a cat and a goose who became friends and embarked on water transportation. However, after extensive research, I have determined that this photo is fake. The cat does not even have a shadow. Also, the goose would most likely have trouble staying afloat with the cat on his back.

150. I have very sad news. Thomas, the goose from fact 28, has passed away. As a reminder, Thomas lived with his goose wife Henrietta and their best friend Henry the swan. They all raised Thomas and Henrietta’s babies together and were best friends. New Zealand held a memorial service for him.

10/25/2022

151. Geese and ducks are extremely closely related. They are even in the same family, Anatidae. However, geese are larger (with ducks being 15-25 inches; 2-5 pounds and geese being 30-50 inches; 15-20 pounds). Geese also outlive ducks on average by about 4 years. One of the best ways to tell a goose and a duck apart is by their necks and their bill; ducks have a wider and shorter bill and a shorter neck than geese. In fact, ducks have 16 or fewer bones in their necks while geese have 16-24 bones in their necks. 

152. The Wild Goose Festival is a 10 day festival celebrating the annual migration of tens of thousands of geese to winter on the Solway Firth estuary (located off the south west coast of Scotland, between Dumfries & Galloway and England). The festival was first held in 2020 and features many activities for geese fans (NOT the anti-goose media!). Many of the geese are barnacle geese. See fact #9. Thank you to Anna for submitting this fact!

153. This is the Embden goose. They are a German breed and very commonly domesticated. They are named for the north western town of Embden, Germany. They are the heaviest goose breed in Germany, and can reach up to 1 meter tall. They have an especially long and curved neck and are known to be very friendly with humans, but bullies to other birds! They should not be kept with smaller poultry like chickens. I forgive them.

154. Since it is spooky season, I thought I would share this silly image of a good dog dressed up as Mother Goose for Halloween! (See fact #27.) Will any of you be a goose this year? (I recommend.)

155. New trivia question!!
Geese should not be fed bread. Why is this? 

11/1/2022

Congratulations, Mia! You are the winner of last week’s trivia!
To remind everyone, the question was why geese should not be fed bread. Mia correctly answered that it is because of the lack of nutritional value, leaving the goose to not seek out other sources of food and causing him to become malnourished or even develop angel wing. Your prize has been mailed.

In addition, and this is probably something I should have stated in the past, remember that the person who answers the trivia question first wins a prize!

156. Very exciting news! I am proud to announce the arrival of the Interesting Goose Facts website! This website will house the archives of all the past newsletters in case you want to get caught up or study. Please do not use it to cheat on trivia.

157. A porch goose is a concrete goose that people place on their porch. They are usually dressed up very nicely. They reached their height of popularity in the 80’s, but some cool people today still have them. This is a porch goose that belongs to my friend’s aunt! Thank you to Jaclyn for submitting this fact. 

158. Geese are known to get into a bit of mischief in other animal’s zoo enclosures. There have been many reports of geese landing in tiger or gorilla enclosures and standing their ground. Sometimes they even will chase the larger animal away! They are very bold and should probably stay out. Please enjoy this video of just such a thing. Also here is a photo of geese behaving at the zoo (thank you Brian for the photo!).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMm6h4Nxrys

 

159. Native geese provide many crucial ecosystem services and benefits. These include dispersing aquatic invertebrates and seeds through consumption and attachment to their feathers, nutrient deposition via feces that fuel plants, and helping to control aquatic plant growth that in turn opens up waterways for other organisms to use, including fish and other waterfowl.

160. This is the Czech Goose. They are one of the smallest goose breeds and are a very popular choice for farmers who do not have a lot of space. They are short and stocky and some have a crest on the head while others do not have a crest on the head. They are very active and lively and produce about 25 eggs per year.

11/8/2022

161. Goose eggs are often considered delicious and higher in nutrients than chicken or duck eggs. In Italy, it is common to make pasta from goose eggs. However, they are ridiculously high in cholesterol. There is 1,227 mg of cholesterol in a goose egg (compared to 186 mg in chicken eggs). Doctors recommend no more than 300 mg per day, but what do they know?

162. Another type of goose egg, that is not as delicious but has less cholesterol, is a type of hematoma on the head or scalp. It is called a Goose Egg and it develops due to trauma to the skin and broken blood vessels. They most commonly happen to children since children are rather clumsy. Do not worry, they are not dangerous and go away on their own.

163. The Garganoris ballmanni is a giant, extinct goose that lived on a Mediterranean island between six and nine million years ago. Due to fossilized bones found at Gargano and Scontrone in central Italy, it is believed that they were flightless and instead used their wings to fight. This is because the wing bones were very short for its size, suggesting that they couldn’t fly. However, their carpometacarpus bone (equivalent to hand bones in humans) had a round lump called the carpal knob, which is present in modern birds who fight each other.

164. This is the Greylag goose. They are the ancestor of most breeds of  domestic goose, having been domesticated at least as early as 1360 BC. Greylag geese travel to their northerly breeding grounds in spring, nesting on moorlands, in marshes, around lakes and on coastal islands. They normally mate for life and nest on the ground among vegetation. They have an especially loud and cackling call, that sounds like AAHNG-UNG-UNG

165. I have come across a strange product, no doubt produced by the Anti-Goose Media. They are anti-pecking glasses for geese and ducks. Apparently, you attach them to a goose and they will not peck?? The heck?? This is the description on the online listing:

• Made of premium plastic material for use.
• Duck and goose can still feed itself and run around after wearing it.
• Reasonable design duck eye glasses, not easy to fall off, easy to install and remove.
• It can effectively the phenomenon of pecking wool, pecking anus and fighting.
• Also good for preventing farmers from being pecked duck or goose.
  
  Do not purchase. Don’t let the Anti-Goose Media win.

11/15/2022

166. BREAKING NEWS: A CANADIAN GOOSE IS MAKING HIS DEBUT APPEARANCE AT SOMERSET MALL IN TROY, MI TOMORROW 11/16/2022
I will be there personally probably to cover this amazing event. This goose, whoever he may be, must certainly be a prominent member of high society. I will try to get an exclusive IGF interview with him and report what he says. It is nice to know that the Somerset Mall in Troy, MI is NOT part of the Anti-Goose Media! They even have a chair for him to sit in when he arrives.

167. This is the Brecon Buff Goose. They are one of the few geese who are from the United Kingdom, as they originate from the Brecon Beacons area of South Wales. They were created in the 1930’s by Rhys Llewellyn who crossed 3 or 4 different types of gray and white geese together. They are closely related to the American Buff Goose (see fact # 128), but are smaller and have slightly different coloring. They make good pets and are very gentle.

168. This is Andy, the goose who was born without feet. This is his caregiver and owner, Gene Fleming. Gene wanted to help Andy with his mobility issues, so he had him fitted with children’s shoes and taught him how to walk in them. Eventually they caught media attention and Nike offered Andy a lifetime supply of shoes (Andy wore out a pair of shoes every month). Sadly, Andy was killed in 1991 by an unknown felon. The police identified the man responsible (no doubt a member of the Anti-Goose Media), but did not release his name to the public. Memory Eternal. Thank you to Alex for submitting this fact!

169. The National Goose Protection Coalition is a group dedicated to putting an end to the barbaric practice of Goose Roundups. A goose roundup when members of the Anti-Goose Media go after geese during their molting phase (see fact #6) to round them up and then kill them in gas chambers. Remember that when a goose is molting, he cannot fly so he is completely helpless. It is used to reduce large numbers of geese in public areas out of convenience. It is a horrible message to say that we are allowed to kill something just because it is inconvenient. There are many humane ways of getting geese off of property that do not involve killing them when they cannot fight back.

170. Please enjoy this commercial for Emirates Airlines about Gerry the Goose.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5lGRtUA9Mds

 

11/22/2022

171. UPDATE: Per fact 166, I have discovered that the welcoming ceremony for a Canadian Goose making his debut appearance at the Somerset Mall in Troy, MI was not true. “Canada Goose” is the name of a winter outerwear store. No Canadian goose was there. Only people who want to go to Antarctica or stay super warm in winter. I know you are as outraged as I am. PS: very expensive.

172. The winter outerwear store Canada Goose is a store that sells outerwear for extreme temperatures; they even have a program for arctic exploration. The Canadian goose is native to North America; they do not live in Antarctica. The explorers will be disappointed when they arrive in search of a Canadian goose.

173.  Just like everyone else, sometimes Geese need CPR to save their lives. Just like with humans, CPR is given if there is irregular breathing or the heart has stopped. 

 

Look for respiration; the breast rising and falling. 

 

Feel for a pulse to indicate if the heart has stopped; Listen on either side of the breast for a heartbeat.

 

There may be an obstruction in the bird’s throat; open the beak with the head tilted back with one hand and the goose on his back supported with the other hand.. Try to see if there is something stuck in his airway; but never do a blind finger sweep. If you can remove the obstruction, do so carefully.

 

If there is a pulse but the goose is not breathing normally, begin rescue breathing. With the head still tilted back and beak open, begin mouth-to-beak by blowing 5 large breaths into the goose. Check to see if the sternum rises when doing so.

 

If there is no respiration, the airway is clear and there is no heartbeat, begin CPR. Continue blowing air into the goose while doing chest compressions: 40-60 per minute by applying 3 fingers on the keelbone. Pattern is 5 breaths initially followed by 10 compressions. Then two breaths, ten compressions, two breaths, ten compressions, and continuing this manner for 1 minute.

174. As soon as 24 hours after Barnacle goslings hatch, they need to leave the nest to feed on grass, which their parents do not and cannot feed them. To get to the grass—and the water, where they are more protected from predators like foxes—they must jump hundreds of feet from their high-altitude cliff nests following their parents. While it looks terrifying, the chicks are so lightweight that they do not usually die upon hitting the ground. They are light and fluffy, often appearing to bounce off rocks as they fall. See fact #9 for Barnacle geese.

175. New trivia question!

Happy almost Thanksgiving! Goose is not the bird of choice for Thanksgiving in America. Why not?

11/29/2022

Congratulations to Ann for winning last week’s trivia!
To remind everyone, I asked why the goose is not the traditional Thanksgiving bird of choice. The answer is because Benjamin Franklin decided that the turkey is more appropriate because turkeys are native to North America while geese are found all over the world.
Your prize will be mailed to you sometime this year.

176. There is a possible case of Bird Flu hitting Scotland, as more than 20 pink footed geese (see fact #46) have been found dead in Findhorn Bay in Moray. Scientists are still trying to investigate the cause of the deaths, but until it is known, they are asking hunters to try to refrain from the area to avoid possibly spreading bird flu into other parts of Scotland. Thank you to Anna for submitting this fact.

177. An Egyptian goose (see fact #16) faked an injury to save her goslings from a leopard. This brave and clever mother goose began to limp and drag her wing along the ground in front of the leopard to distract his attention from one of her goslings who was hiding behind a bush. The trick worked, and the gosling and her mother made it to safety.

178. Geese have been known to be able to fly great distances without landing to sleep, for example Canadian geese can 1,500 miles in 24 hours while migrating. Do they sleep during this time? Research suggests that yes, geese can sleep while flying great distances due to a concept called unihemispheric sleep, where only one part of the brain is asleep and the other is engaged. They can even keep one eye partially open and aware to look out for danger.

179. In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 via illegal immigration, China has employed an elite gaggle of 500 geese on its boarder with Vitenam. Since their implementation in October of 2021, they have stopped numerous illegal immigrants from entering the country, many of whom possibly had covid. These geese need no training, for once they establish their territory, they will bravely and fiercely defend it.  See facts #5, 69, 88 for more guard goose fun.

180. In addition to fact #179, the US Army has also employed guard geese. In 1986, they tried out 18 geese to safeguard radar and anti-aircraft installations in West Germany. This experiment was so successful that the US Army employed 900 more geese in the region. Thank you for your service.

12/6/2022

181. Sometimes, a goose and a duck will attempt to mate. Most of the time this interaction is not successful and does not produce eggs. However, sometimes eggs will be produced but they are not fertile and do not hatch. This is unlike the Swoose (goose and swan baby) from fact #32.

182. A gooseberry is a type of berry grown on a bush that can either be green, red, yellow, orange, purple, white or black. They are very popular in pies and jams, especially in 19th century Britain. The gooseberry is indigenous to many parts of Europe and Western Asia, growing naturally in Alpine thickets and rocky woods in the lower country, from France eastward, well into the Himalayas and in India.

In Britain, it is often found in crops and hedgerows and around old ruins. Although it is now abundant in Germany and France, it does not appear to have been grown there much in the Middle Ages, though it was held in some esteem medicinally for the cooling of fevers. It is not known why they are called gooseberries. Geese do not eat them, nor are gooseberries made from geese. In fact, gooseberries are poisonous to geese!!! Thank you to Collin for the idea for this fact.

183. This is the Lesser White Fronted Goose. He is very closely related to the Greater White Fronted Goose (see facts #34, 58, 147) but is smaller and has a slightly different coloring. They winter further south in Europe. They are attractive birds and often kept by humans, which they do not like, and are good at escaping. Therefore, if you happen to see an individual Lesser white fronted goose in the summer or in the company of other feral geese, he is likely an escaped captive. Freedom!!

184. Another term for the Greater White Fronted Goose is the Specklebelly goose, for obvious reasons. Look at his belly! This is the name most hunters would know this goose by.

185. The National Sebastopol Geese Association is an organization whose mission is to bring together all levels of Sebastopol Geese enthusiasts, breeders, and exhibitors. See fact #62. Their website discusses the history of these beautiful geese as well as their significance in the world. They are definitely not part of the Anti-Goose Media! Check out their website here: https://www.nationalsebastopol.com/

12/13/2022

186. The classic Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” may be misinformed when it comes to the six geese a-laying part. It is uncommon for geese to lay eggs in the winter because geese are seasonal layers. Most geese, although this does depend slightly on age and breed, will stop laying eggs in the winter because their laying capabilities depend entirely on the seasons.

Most geese do not lay eggs in the winter because the days are shorter during the cold months; daylight reduction impacts egg production. However, if you provide your goose with enough light and she is young, she may lay the occasional winter egg. Additionally, geese that live in colder climates may also be more apt to lay in the winter. But overall, 6 geese laying eggs at Christmas may be a bit of a stretch.

187. I have recently discovered a candle and fragrance company called Goose Creek. It is refreshing to know that there is a company in this world that supports the geese. As was my duty, I purchased a candle from them. I have reached out to the owner of the company to see the status of the geese. I will update you on the candle and the geese.

188. This is the Kholmogory Goose. He is a very large, very hardy goose that is native to Russia. They are known to be able to withstand the harsh conditions of Russia while maintaining a peaceful disposition. The ganders are true gentlemen and stand up to protect their flock. They are among the oldest goose breeds in Russia but today are rather rare. Distinguishing characteristics include their large forehead lump, that reaches fullness at age 5, and the large fold of skin under the beak, also known as a purse.

189. Like chickens and ducks, geese do not urinate. Instead, their droppings are a mix of solid and liquid that are combined before their exit from the goose’s body. This is because geese can fly for a very long time and thus cannot afford to carry around excess water weight/urine.
No photo for this one.

190. Like all birds, the skeleton of a goose is modified for flight. It is light and the bones are hollow. All the muscles of the goose are in the center of the body in places such as the breast and bases of the wings and legs. The skeleton only makes up 5% of the goose’s mass! Geese also lack a diaphragm; instead they have air sacs surrounding their lungs.

12/20/2022

191. De Ganzenfanfare is a tradition that goes back to the Netherlands and was born out of goose herding. It is probably the best parade you will ever see, and is common in many European countries during festivals and holidays. It is just a bunch of geese marching together in a little parade. There is a theme park called Efteling in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands that stages a Ganzenfanfare several times a day around the park! Thank you to Alex for submitting this fact!!

See the video!!

https://youtu.be/aOxheDoks_Y

192. This is the Vištinės Goose. They are a domestic breed of goose from Lithuania and are on the endangered species list. The Lithuanian Animal Science Institute has decided to implement a conservation plan for them to bring up their numbers. Additionally, numerous scientific studies have been made with these geese in Lithuania. Biochemical protein polymorphism and microsatellite analysis tests indicated that the Vištinės goose breed is unique and can be distinguished by biochemical genetic individuality. (In short: they are unique)

193. On Thursday, 12/8/2022, I had the honor of eating chili from this goose bowl. There was no goose meat in the chili. Thank you Anastasia!

194. The old tradition of eating goose at Christmas is said to have come from Queen Elizabeth I when she was eating a goose for her Christmas dinner. It was during this dinner that she heard that the British had defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588, and ordered all of England to mimic her dinner as a celebration. Please let the geese enjoy Christmas this year!!

195. New Trivia Question!!
Ducks and geese are very closely related. What are 3 main visual differences between a goose and a duck?

Everyone (me) at IGF wants to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! 

as Psalm 150 says, let everything that has breath praise the Lord… including the geese!!

12/27/2022

See the new IGF logo! Merch coming soon

Congratulations Kyle K! You are the winner of last week’s trivia!!

To remind everyone, I asked what are 3 visual differences between geese and ducks. Kyle answered that geese have longer necks, larger bodies and legs. (Another possible answer is the shape and size of the bill). Your prize will be given to you sometime next year.

 

 

196. The Plimoth Patuxet museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts offers yarn made from the wool of the Plimoth Plantation sheep, hand dyed with the same processes and names as during the Plimoth Plantation days. Produced by Harrisville Designs, colors were chosen based on what was period correct in the 17th century. One of them happens to be Goose Turd Green. Thank you Anna for submitting this fact!

197. Throughout history, there have been various accounts that allege the actual occurrence of goose-human hybrids. One of them is the goose-human son of Queen Bertha, wife of King Robert II of France in the year 996. King Robert put aside his first wife in order to marry his cousin Bertha, which led the Pope to excommunicate them. Bertha gave birth in 999 to a son who supposedly had the entire neck and head of a goose. Catholic Saint Peter Damian described this event and cited it as fact.

There are other accounts of babies being born allegedly with goose bills or goose wings, and sometimes goose feet. Perhaps the strangest of all is that of a medusa-like human head found in a goose egg, with goose heads instead of snakes. Do you think these are real?

198. This is the Gorki goose. They are a Russian breed of fighting goose, similar to the Tula fighting goose (see fact #127). In the spring, the male Gorki’s appear rather naked, as the females pluck out their feathers to use as nesting material. Similar to the Tula fighting goose, when Gorki geese fight there is no bloodshed. The fighting males push each other away with their wings, and the one who is pushed the furthest away loses. The females sit by the side and honk at them, exciting the males to continue.

199. This is the Goose House in Hazard, Kentucky. An enormous goose is the roof of this extraordinary house. The house’s builder, George Stacy, began construction in 1935 and was done in 1940. Sadly he hunted a real goose to use his skeleton as a blueprint. The texture of the roofing mimics the feather patterns of the real goose who gave his life for this. People still live in this house to this day.

200. In honor of our 200th fact, let us offer lessons that geese can teach us about teamwork. These come from an outsourcing company in Canada called Bill Gosling. It is unclear if geese or goslings are employed there (but I suspect that must be the case).
1. You fly further together.
2. We need to support each other when times are tough.
3. Take turns being the leader.
4. Cheer other people’s progress.
5. Be loyal to your purpose.

To read more about this, please see the Bill Gosling website below.
https://www.billgosling.com/blog/5-things-geese-can-teach-you-about-teamwork

1/3/2023

201. I was very fortunate this year to receive a number of goose-themed presents for my birthday and Christmas. Thank you to all who gave me such wonderful goose things! 2 goose sweatshirts, a set of 4 handsome goose drinking glasses, Cerberus-Goose earrings (very heavy), a goose sign, and a goose statue.

202. This is the Kuban Goose. They were created by breeding together the Gorky goose (see fact #198) and Chinese goose (see facts #37, 38, 179). They live in Russia and are considered to be "unpretentious" and adapt perfectly to the harsh conditions. However, they are known to be quite picky with their food and will not eat low-quality feed. They are also known for their high egg production; a Kuban goose can produce up to 100 eggs per year.

203. There have been some reports of geese flying upside down, with their head and neck twisted upright. This photo was taken by Vincent Cornelissen and posted to Instagram. He claims to have seen this goose flying just like this in the Netherlands; likewise there is another man in Norway who claims to see Geese doing this regularly, and he says a goose flying like this is called a “whiffling goose.”

204. Recently, on December 21, 2022, Kentucky was blessed with a visit from a Pink-footed Goose (see facts #46, 59). Bird watchers and geese friends from all over the country came to see him, as the pink-footed goose is very rare in North America. They are usually found in Greenland and Iceland but migrate all across the North Atlantic to spend winters in Britain and Northwestern Europe. A few more were spotted nearby and it was very exciting. Here is the very goose that came to visit.

205. This is Kaitlin, a Canadian Goose with only one leg. She lives in New York City and lost her leg in an accident when her leg got tangled in fishing wire. Luckily for Kaitlin, her faithful partner has stayed by her side and protects her from harm. It is very sweet and shows how devoted geese are to their partners. It is important to note that geese and other birds can often appear as only having one leg (see fact #43), as they sometimes tuck it up into their feathers for various reasons. Sadly Kaitlin is actually missing her leg.

1/10/2023

206. This is the Ashy-Headed Goose. They live in Argentina and Chile, as well as the Falkland Islands to breed. Although their population is slightly decreasing, they are thankfully not considered to be vulnerable at this time. They feed on mostly vegetation, so they rarely swim.

207. This is the Ruddy-Headed Goose. Similar to the ashy-headed goose above, they are found in Argentina and Chile. However, unlike the ashy-headed goose, some of them are year-round residents of the Falkland Islands (however some of them do choose to migrate in the winter and for breeding). Females make a short rasping “quack” sound, which can make them sound more like ducks.

208. Arnold the Canadian goose was taken to a Cape Cod wildlife hospital after he was found with a fractured foot. He needed surgery and had to stay there for a few weeks. Doctors were surprised when they heard a tapping on the door; it was Arnold’s mate. She had followed him there, and her love and devotion for him kept her there 24/7, refusing to leave until Arnold was released.

209. While a mother goose is sitting on her eggs, she must keep the eggs wet. She does this by regularly bathing to get her feathers wet and thus keeping her eggs moist. This is different from chickens, who have dry nests. Therefore if you are using an incubator for goose eggs, you also must keep them wet by sprinkling them daily with warm water. After the 15th day, eggs should be completely submerged every second day in water kept at a temperature of 37.5°C and then daily in the last week of incubation, for 1 minute.

210. Last weekend, my soon-to-be sister-in-law had her bachelorette party at the Wild Goose Inn in East Lansing, Michigan. There were no live wild geese, however the goose décor was something to behold. There were two small houses that made up the bed and breakfast with 6 rooms total. The main house was called the Goose, and the smaller one next door was called the Gosling. I had the pleasure of staying in the Gosling. The Inn was beautiful and I encourage all of you to stay there!!

211. This is the Upland Goose (also called the Magellan Goose). They are found in Chile and Argentina. They are a subspecies of goose, in the Anatinae shelduck-sheldgoose subfamily of Anatidae. The females look very similar to the Ruddy-Headed Goose (see fact #207). Some adults choose to skip the molting process in the spring, resulting in no loss of flight (see fact #6).
See sheldgoose definition below.

Definition:
Shedgoose
Subspecies of goose (Anatinae) from the family Anatidae (Anatidae contains geese, ducks and swans). Sheldgeese inhabit tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They have small bills and long legs. Some have bony spurs—which function as weapons—at the wings. Typically they show white wing patches. They are not true geese, though they resemble them in some ways.

212. There are 6 species of sheldgeese in South America:
1. The Upland goose (see fact #211)
2. The Ashy-Headed goose (see fact #206)
3. The Ruddy-Headed goose (see fact #207)
4. The Kelp goose (see fact #30)
5. The Orinoco goose (see fact #26)
6. The Andean goose (see fact #134).

2 species of sheldgeese in Africa include the Egyptian goose (see fact #16) and the Spur-Winged goose (see fact #139).

213. The Baron Von Sheldgoose is a Disney character in the show The Legend of the Three Caballeros. I have never seen this show, however according to his Wiki page, he dislikes the middle class, yard sales and losing, much like real geese probably do.

214. The Réunion Sheldgoose, or Kervazo's Egyptian goose, is an extinct species of sheldgoose from the island of Réunion. They were a close relative of the Egyptian goose (see fact #16) and it is said that they became extinct due to overhunting on the island. The species went extinct sometime in the 1690’s. Very sad. Please pray for their return.

215. There is a brewing company that makes a beer called Goose Island IPA. Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact! (See fact #92 for the real Goose Island.)

Note: Be on the lookout for a new trivia question next week!

1/24/2023

216. This is the Faroese goose. They originated on Faroe Island, which is in the Kingdom of Denmark. These geese have no predators on the island, so there is a very strong “goose culture” there. They are known to fiercely protect their goslings. Just look at this mommy goose!

217. A new strain of bird flu has killed around 1,600 snow geese in areas of Colorado since November 2022. This strain particularly affects snow geese, raptors, and vultures. Please pray for them! Sadly there is no cure or treatment for bird flu and the mortality rate can be up to 100%. It is highly contagious but does not usually spread to humans. (See fact #63 for snow geese.)

218. This is the Twente Goose. They are from the Netherlands and are very endangered. In 1900, their numbers were more than 100,000; but in 2011, there were only 110. They are desired for their pretty feathers and are known to have striking blue eyes.

219. A police officer in Cincinnati was surprised one day when he heard a pecking on his car door. It was a mother goose, repeatedly pecking to get the officer’s attention. When he stepped out, she led him to her baby who was tangled up in garbage. The officer freed the gosling and saved the day.

220. New Trivia Question!
What are you NOT supposed to do in the event of a goose attack? I am looking for 4 answers.

1/31/2023

Congratulations Amanda R! You are the winner of last week’s trivia!
To remind everyone, I asked what are 4 things you should NOT do in the event of a goose attack. Your prize will be given to you sometime this year.
Correct answers:
1. Do not turn your back
2. Do not try to physically assault the goose
3. Do not close your eyes or squint (maintain consistent eye contact)
4. Do not run

221. As we have learned from past newsletters, geese are very helpful in many uses (guarding, weeding, ect.) They are also very good at chasing other animals away, such as wild cats, snakes, rats, skunks and raccoons.
Do not worry, the goose does not usually hurt the other animal (he simply utilizes the art of fear).

222. A grandmother in her undies saved this goose from an eagle! This is a family-friendly newsletter so I cannot post the real photo. We are thankful for her speedy action.

223. This is the Buff and Grey-Back Goose. They are from Europe and are closely related to the American Buff Goose (see fact #128). They are often mistaken for Pomeranian Geese (see fact #129). They are rather plump (and buff) and rarely fly. They must be kept in pairs or else become very sad.

224. Mother geese take every precaution to protect their nests from predators. This includes making sure they do not leave a scent leading to their nest, that would surely attract predators. When a mother goose must leave the nest for a short time, she flies instead of walks. The male will also help cover their tracks to the nest. When they must go to the bathroom or eat, they do so far away from the nest so that predators are less likely to find the nest.

225. Wildlife trafficking is thought to be the third most valuable illicit commerce in the world, after drugs and weapons, worth about $10 billion/year. Birds are the most common wildlife contraband; two million to five million wild birds, including geese, are traded illegally worldwide every year. Millions of turtles, crocodiles, snakes, other reptiles, mammals and insects are also trafficked.
No picture because it is sad.

2/7/2023

226. My brother is currently on his honeymoon in Hawaii, and he saw the rare Hawaiian Goose (see fact #33) up close! They were safe in a habitat with other Hawaiian Geese in an attempt to increase their numbers. Thank you to David and Elena for submitting this fact!

227. Vicki Sawyer, the best artist in the world, has several new paintings of geese! In addition to the original painting shown (see fact #97), you may also purchase Lord of the Garden and Festive Geese.

https://www.vickisawyer.com/

228. This is the Suchovy Goose. They originated in Slovakia. Their numbers, especially among males, are declining so they are considered endangered. They were selectively bred in the 1980’s from other breeds of domestic geese.

229. There was a goose named Alec who used to waddle around St. George's Market in Belfast, Ireland in the 1920’s. He was beloved by all, and used to accompany the schoolchildren as they walked to school. Tragically, one day Alec was killed by a truck (no doubt the Anti-Goose Media). A statue was depicted of him and it remains to this day.

230. This is Henrietta and she is a porch goose. She has different outfits for different seasons. Thank you to Kyle for submitting this fact!

2/14/2023

Happy Valentine's Day!

BREAKING UPDATE ON FACT #230:

Henrietta the porch goose has had her bonnet stolen!!

231. Most all geese mate for life- they are diehard romantics and the loyalty of a goose is unmatched. However, there are certain circumstances in which it is rare but possible for a goose couple to “divorce” (sometimes just temporarily). Keep in mind these circumstances are all very rare, as most of the time geese are incredibly loyal to their first mate.
1. Being forced to spend winters apart due to unforeseen circumstances (the goose may meet another mate during this time apart)
2. Failure to reproduce (some domestic geese can have fertility issues)
3. Females finding males who can offer them safer territory
4. Death of a mate (some will never mate again, but others may find a new mate after several years of mourning)

232. How do geese choose a mate? It is a simple process, but the females are rather picky so it can take awhile.

The male begins by dipping his neck up and down in a bobbing motion as he approaches a female. As they draw near, they face each other and bob their heads in unison. If the female begins to follow the male, it means she has accepted him as a partner.

If she moves away from him, or does not participate in the head bobbing, it means she has rejected him. A rejected male moves on to another female continuing his head bobbing to try again.

233. Take this fun quiz to see what kind of goose you are! I got the Chinese Goose.

https://www.quotev.com/quiz/6066979/What-Kind-Of-Goose-are-you

 

234. This is the Vladimir Clay Goose. They are bred in the Vladimirskiy region of Russia and are known to adapt extremely well to harsh agricultural regions that are unsuitable for other livestock. They even enjoy eating hay. Sadly they are on the brink of extinction so efforts need to be made to bring their numbers up.

235. I ordered a small wooden goose for my lesson room at work. Unfortunately the Anti-Goose Media got to him, as he arrived in very sad condition. I believe this is a message from the Anti-Goose Media. However, they will not win, for I am rehabilitating him. I have named him Chippy. Here is Chippy playing piano!

2/21/2023

236. This man who lives on a mountain enjoys being with his pet friends! Look at how cool they are, including at least two geese. See the video below. Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=APsqtGdmLXY

237. This is the Javakheti Goose. They are from Georgia (the country) and Armenia. They are known to be a relatively small goose, but with a single small and elongated toe. They have excellent adaptations that most other goose breeds do not adapt to as well, specifically the rocky highlands of Georgia and Armenia.

238. The Javakheti National Park in Georgia is an amazing and spiritual place in the forest area of Lake Kartsakh and Mount Great Aubli. It is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, including 59 types of birds. Of course the Javakheti Goose is one of them! In addition, there are also some very old Georgian Orthodox Christian monasteries, including the Kumurdo Monastery.

The monastery was built in 946 AD, and in 2015 a project was started to restore the monastery. It currently sits without a dome.

239. The Town Peddler Craft & Antique Mall in Livonia, MI has an entire section dedicated to porch goose apparel! Thank you to Kat for submitting this fact!

240. Martha Stewart has a good sized flock of geese at her Bedford, NY farm. Thankfully we can confirm that she is not part of the Anti-Goose Media, for she takes excellent care of them. She has Pomeranian Geese (see fact #129), Sebastopol Geese (see fact #62), Chinese Geese (see fact #37), African Geese (see fact #4), and Toulouse Geese (see fact #102). The Pomeranian Geese guard the chickens. In the winter she makes sure they are warm at night with a double burlap curtain and extra hay in their enclosure. Here are some of her geese!

2/28/2023

241. I saw this poem about Canadian Geese by Joanna Carter that I thought I would share.

Though the snow is melting, warmth won’t come. 

Every fact is cold and glum. 

 

As I begin to agonize, 

Bellows that I recognize

Fill the early April air

And lift, like petals, every care. 

Canada geese on silent wing

Ushering the hope of spring.

242. An AI generator on the internet wrote a 16 bar rap verse about geese. Here it is. Thank you to David for submitting this fact, and to my sister-in-law Elena for rapping it for me.
Video available for purchase upon request.

Verse 1:

Listen up y’all, let me tell you ‘bout geese

Birds so fly, they don’t care about peace

Flocking up so high, they don’t need no lease

Flapping their wings, they can soar with ease

 

Chorus:

Geese, geese, flying in the sky

Honking loud, as they pass you by

Geese, geese, they don’t ask why

They just spread their wings, and they fly

 

Verse 2: 

Feathers so white, they shine in the sun

Honking all day, they’re always on the run

Flying in V’s they’re never done

These birds are wild, they’re always on the fun

 

Chorus:

Geese, geese, flying in the sky

Honking loud, as they pass you by

Geese, geese, they don’t ask why

They just spread their wings, and they fly

243. This is the Arzamas Goose. They come from Arzamas, Russia and were considered to be a favorite of Catherine the Great of Russia, who reigned as Empress from 1762 to 1796. They were originally bred to fight, but due to their small wings, are not great fighters. During the second World War, the breed suffered losses and today there are not very many. Today they are mainly raised on private farms.

244. There is a YouTube channel called “The Urban Rescue Ranch” and the man in the videos does many things with animals on his ranch! He has one video where he rescues abandoned geese from public parks. This is because sometimes people will get a domestic breed of goose as a pet, not realizing how much work they are, and then abandon them at public parks. Domestic geese cannot be left alone in the wild or at parks. Please rehome them to a loving family who will take care of them. Here is the YouTube channel for you to check out. Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact!

https://www.youtube.com/@TheUrbanRescueRanch/featured

Here is the video of him rescuing the geese. Skip to 9:20 for the goose rescue. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22i3fjFlRrY

245. Many breeds of geese have basal knobs. It is essentially a very prominent bump at the base of the bill. Some of the breeds that often have them are Chinese geese, African geese, and swan geese. The exact purpose is not known, although some suggest that the basal knob may be a sign of gender, breed or sexual maturity. It is also considered to be a sign of wisdom.

3/7/2023

246. New trivia question!!
What goose is this and why is he poisonous if consumed?

Remember, be the first person to correctly answer the trivia question to win the goose-themed prize! All answers can be found within the archives on the IGF website.

Past winners: 

1. Brian

2. Collin

3. Mia 

4. Ann

5. Kyle K.

6. Amanda R.

7. Could be you!

 

247. This is the Scania Goose. They are a domestic goose from Sweden, and are hardy enough to live outdoors all year round. They are also the largest and heaviest goose in all of Sweden, and can live up to 30 years. They are considered to be very calm and to be good parents. Another name for them is the South Sweden Goose.

248. As seen in fact #43, and as I’m sure many of you have noticed, sometimes geese will stand on one leg. They do this while awake and sometimes while asleep, usually because it helps them stay warm. It helps to control their body temperature by keeping more heat close to the body, similar to how we may wrap our arms around ourselves when it is cold. Another reason they do this is because they are silly.

249. An edition of The New Yorker published on January 28, 1939 states that the life expectancy of a goose is two to three hundred years.
I can say with almost 100% certainty that unfortunately that is not true. Geese normally live about 15-30 years.

 

250. Crime has been declared eradicated following the University of Massachusetts Police Department’s adoption of armed geese officers from the campus pond. The decision to replace human officers was made by Chief of Police Tyrone Parham.

“With human officers, the UMPD was limited in how many cases they could respond to. Noise complaints went unaddressed, and parking tickets went unissued,” Parham said, “but not with the geese. Nothing gets past them. They’re literally everywhere.”

The geese officers are on 24-hour patrol throughout the University’s campus. Since their institution, there has been a nearly 100 percent decline in both violent and non-violent crimes.

The geese do not require health insurance and receive complimentary food and housing in the grass by the campus pond.

 

3/14/2023

251. Congratulations David! You are the winner of last week’s trivia!
To remind everyone, I asked you to identify the goose in the photo and tell me why he is poisonous if consumed. David was the first to correctly answer that he is the African Spur-Winged Goose. They are poisonous because of their diet of the poisonous blister beetle.
Bonus: even 10mg of the cooked goose can kill a human.
Your prize will be given to you sometime this year.
Honorable mention: Irelynd

252. This is the Emporda Goose. They are a slender and elegant breed of goose from Spain. They typically have a tuft of feathers on top of their heads. Sadly they are quite endangered but measures are being taken to bring up their numbers. Here are some Emporda geese at a cathedral in Barcelona.

253. When a female goose is getting ready to lay her eggs, she will pack on weight in preparation. While she is sitting on her eggs, she does not ever leave the nest for any reason, not even to eat or drink. Therefore she relies on her stored fat for nutrients. This goose has eggs inside her and is getting ready to lay them.

254. The online store Etsy is a fantastic resource for all of your house goose needs. As stated in fact #15, some people keep geese as pets inside their homes (called house geese) and these geese must wear a diaper at all times. Here are some goose and gosling diapers for sale on Etsy, as well as a nice harness for when you take them for walks.

255. Just like everyone else, sometimes geese require having x-rays taken for their health. This poor goose is named Prophet and she had not 2, but 3 eggs stuck inside her. Thankfully veterinarians were able to surgically remove them and took measures to prevent it from happening again.

Here is a bonus goose x-ray (not of Prophet):

3/17/2023

IMPORTANT SPECIAL EDITION

 

Hello my dear subscribers,

This is a very important special edition of the newsletter. This is all about how to appropriately handle Canadian geese if they happen to become an annoyance to you on your property. 

There are absolutely humane ways to remove them, and I want to thank the National Goose Protection Coalition for providing these resources. 

https://www.idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/goose-cruelty/#ngp

 

I want to start off by saying that it is illegal to intentionally hurt or kill a Canadian goose, gosling and their eggs. Hunting is legal with the proper permits. (See fact #143.)

Canadian geese are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). See fact #142. 

In addition to being protected under federal law, it is important to treat the geese with respect as living creatures and part of God’s creation. They do not do anything that is outside of their nature.

 

Non-lethal methods of goose removal

• Sonic repellents
• Professionally trained herd dogs 
• .Riparian buffers:
  • Vegetation grown around the water’s edge discourages the geese from inhabiting the area. The geese will feel unsafe in this area because they cannot see predators through the vegetation. Geese are not risk takers.

• Sugar-Free grape Kool-Aid
  • Chemicals in the grape Kool-Aid are harmless to geese, but disturbs their sleep patterns and causes them to not return after a while. Mix 5 packets with 1 gallon of water and spray on the lawn.

• Decoys such as fake coyotes 

 

Killing Geese is not the Answer

Killing entire flocks of geese, including goslings, just because they are annoying and inconvenient is not the answer! Many times this is done by the government in something called “goose roundups” (see fact #169) which is when members of the Anti-Goose Media gather and kill (usually through gas) the flocks when they are at their most vulnerable, during their flightless molting phase (see fact #6). 

This just leaves room for a new flock of geese to inhabit the area. It does not get rid of the goose problem; more geese will eventually come. The best way is to deter geese from inhabiting the area in the first place!!

 

3/21/2023

256. Many may be familiar with Penelope, the wife of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. Penelope waited 20 long years while Odysseus was away. In his absence, she found company and companionship in her pet geese.

“I have twenty geese here about the house, and they feed on grains of wheat from the water trough. I love to watch them.”

-Odyssey 19.535-37, trans. Lattimore

257. Penelope’s geese are just one example of the importance of geese in ancient Greece. It was very common for artwork to depict women in domestic situations with geese, and they were popular pets as well as livestock. They were also associated with many female gods.

There were also some interesting writings and plays involving geese, including writings by Aristotle, in his book called Erotica, about goose-human relationships. Unfortunately, some of Aristotle's gross followers took this to mean intimate goose-human relationships, which deeply angered Aristotle.
(but honestly…what did Aristotle expect if he included this in a book called Erotica?)

258. Aristotle seems to have had a weird obsession with geese. In his writing Generation of Animals, he states that no male bird has a reproductive organ. It was not until Aristotle dissected a male goose himself that he discovered he was wrong. I am so sorry for the scandalous fact, but I thought you should know.

259. This is the Danish Landrace Goose. They are from Denmark and are a medium-sized goose known to be low-fat. We know from archaeological remains that this goose was a favorite among the Vikings, who not only used them for meat and eggs, but for the feathers on their arrows. Up until the end of the 17th century, they were the only goose breed in all of Denmark.

260. There is a wooden block company called Uncle Goose. You may remember these blocks from childhood. It was a very good name choice. Thank you to Cindy for submitting this fact! https://unclegoose.com/

P.S: Thank you to Elizabeth S. for spreading awareness about goose safety!

3/28/2023

261. This is Blossom and she is a domestic goose who lives on the pond in the Riverside Cemetery in Iowa. She became very depressed and lonely after her mate, Bud, died. Desperate for companionship, Blossom would spend her time staring at her reflection in the office window and model tombstones. The cemetery sent out the below advertisement to find a new mate for Blossom, and in no time, a widower goose named Frankie responded! They have been inseparable ever since. Thank you to Alex for submitting this fact!

262. In the Studio Ghibli movie Kiki’s Delivery Service, the main character Kiki flies with a very nice flock of geese who warn her about a large gust of wind that is about to come. It blows them all away, but they are ok. Very nice geese. Thank you to Collin for being with me when I discovered this fact.

263. This is the Alsatian Goose and he is from France. They are the most popular goose to use for the traditional French dish Pâté de Foie Gras, which is a dish made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been specifically fattened for this purpose. Geese that are used for Foie Gras are intentionally force fed through a tube in order to ensure that their livers are extra fatty. Questions have been raised as to how ethical this practice is, and it is banned in many places including California.

264. There are seven subspecies of Canada Goose. The biggest of them is Branta canadensis maxima, or the Giant Canada Goose. They were thought to be extinct until a small population was rediscovered in Rochester, Minnesota in 1962. Thank you to Uncle Steve for submitting this fact!
Here is a size comparison of a Giant Canada Goose and an Interior Canada Goose.

265. This is Amanda, one of my loyal subscribers, and her sister as children taking photos of geese. Unfortunately the goose was not in the mood to have his photo taken and proceeded to chase Amanda’s sister. She is ok.

4/4/2023

266. This is the Aldler Goose. They are a Russian breed of domestic goose, raised for their meat and eggs. The females can produce 30-40 eggs per season, however only half will hatch into goslings. They have good health and rarely get sick.

267. Here are some geese in the Kohl’s parking lot in Livonia, Michigan. Refer to facts #48,49, 55 and 77 about how geese will often make their nests in parking lots. Geese know that a parking lot is a place where predators are not likely to enter due to all the cars, so it tends to be a safe place for their nests. They choose parking lots that are close to a source of water. Please drive with care in parking lots during nesting season (and always I guess). Thank you to Elena for submitting this fact.

268. Some of you may recall from fact #187 where I purchased a candle from the company Goose Creek. Here is the long awaited review.
The candle has an excellent name and color (green), however the scent was not as strong as I would have hoped. I also never received a response from the CEO regarding my question about geese at the facility. I would rate this candle 6.5/10.

269. As stated in fact #264, there are seven subspecies of Canada Geese as well as an additional 4 that some consider a different species. Generally, the ones further north are smaller and darker.

270. Geese are incredible navigators. While migrating, they rely on landmarks that they recognize from past migrations (such as rivers or mountain ridges) and teach these to their goslings. They are also able to sense the earth’s magnetic field in order to determine which way is north and which way is south. Research shows that they can also tell location based on the position of the sun, moon, and stars.

4/18/2023

New trivia question!
Remember…all the answers can be found in the IGF archives! Please do not use Google (I can tell if you use Google)!
Be the first person to correctly answer and win the goose-themed prize!

Question: When attempting to attract a mate, how does the male gander know that the female has accepted him? There are two things she will do to signal that she accepts his proposal.

271. More parking lot geese! See the mother goose sitting on her nest while her mate keeps watch at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, MI. Could these be the same geese I saw in this parking lot last year?

UPDATE: on 4/13/23, a hospital employee was attacked and injured by the gander as he was walking into work. This area around the geese and the nest is now blocked off to ensure nobody else gets too close. This is why you give geese plenty of space during nesting season! See fact #100 to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.

272. Have you ever noticed that some Canada geese do not migrate in the winter? While many Canada geese do migrate, some do not migrate from urban areas, and are called “resident Canada geese.” Oftentimes they will be the subspecies Giant Canada goose (see facts #264 and 269). They will choose to stay in urban areas because of easy access to food and artificial environments such as suburban lawns, golf courses, and grassy school campuses. These geese do not teach their goslings how to migrate, so each year more and more geese will become resident geese and choose not to migrate.

273. This is the Normandy Goose. They are from France and are characterized by their small size and different colored feathers among males and females: the males are all white while the females have a mix of gray and white. They are known to be very good at searching for food in a variety of areas, including sand dunes, and are referred to as “economic lawnmowers” because they can eat so much grass. They also love to be in orchards and eat the fallen fruit.

274. China has given Russia the insulting name of “weak goose” on social media, following the country’s strategic missteps in Ukraine. It is trending on Twitter and memes have been made with the name weak goose to make fun of Russia.
I assume this says weak goose but I am not sure. I apologize if this is a swear word/ethnic slur.

275. Where does the term “goosebumps” come from? Geese of course. The feathers of a goose grow out of pores that resemble human hair follicles, and when a goose does not have feathers, there are protrusions where the feathers once were.

4/25/2023

Congratulations Irelynd! You are the winner of last week’s trivia!

 

To remind everyone, I asked what are the two things a female goose will do to signal that she has accepted a male’s mating proposal? Irelynd was the first one to correctly answer that the female goose will: 

1. Reciprocate his head bobbing
2. Follow him

Your prize will be given to you sometime this year.

276. My brother and sister-in-law recently spent some time in San Diego. Thank you to Elena who sent me this photo of a cackling goose (see facts #94 and 269) at the San Diego Museum of Natural History. Unfortunately he is no longer alive but now provides education to museum visitors.
THANK YOU MR. GOOSE WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR MUSEUM

277. As you all know, the IGF logo is a very interesting goose. Here are some of the other options I was considering for the logo, but didn’t end up using.

278. One of my neighbors has had this fake Canada goose in their garden for about 25 years. He has always been there, and I love seeing him as I drive past their house every day. Sometimes he falls over due to weather, but they always pick him back up. I wonder what his name is.

279. This is the Bavent Goose. They are from France and are a very close cousin of the Normandy Goose (see fact #273). Really the only physical difference is the crest on top of their heads. However, they are even more rare than the Normandy goose, with only 30 known breeding females counted in 2014. Conservation efforts are being made to bring up their numbers. The females have more grey coloring and the males are more white in color.

280. Katie Nolan wrote this excellent article as a letter to the editor of the Duluth News Tribune, and it got published. I encourage everyone to read it, as it outlines and asks the question of the willingness of the people of Duluth to save the geese in the face of a rice controversy. Very fascinating.

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/letters/readers-view-is-there-a-will-in-duluth-to-save-geese

I apologize for the way the last newsletter was formatted. The Anti-Goose Media had its hands in it, but they did not win. I dearly hope this is better. Thank you to all who provided humor in the face of such a catastrophe, such as Kyle K. saying: "Error Honk 404. I am now in the Goose Matrix."

5/2/2023

Update on the parking lot geese in fact #271:

The gander has attacked yet another person, and they broke their hip when they fell to the ground! Please refer to fact #100 on how to defend yourself from a goose attack!!!

Sad Update: 

Betty Butler, a founding member of the National Goose Protection Coalition, passed away April 29, 2023. Betty was a lifelong swan and goose advocate and dedicated her life to research and activism to end the senseless killing of geese. Please keep Betty in your prayers. 

281. The outerwear brand Canada Goose (see fact #172) has officially decided to stop using real fur in their products, however they continue to use real goose feathers. Geese are usually plucked alive for their feathers, which is a very horrible experience for them. There are currently efforts to urge Canada Goose to stop using real goose feathers. Thank you to Elizabeth S. for submitting this fact.

282. This is a drawing of a goose named Henry. He goes by Hank because Hank Honk. He joined our young-adult group in fellowship. Thank you to Anastasia for drawing him.

283. Where do you think they are going? What is in the suspiciously shaped bag? I do not know but I am afraid to ask. Thank you to Brianna for submitting this fact.

284. This is the Ural Goose. They are from the Ural Mountains in Russia and Siberia and are known to be highly fertile and unpretentious. There are two varieties, the Ural White Goose and the Ural Gray Goose. Their feathers are very stiff and long which makes them unsuitable to be used for stuffing pillows and other items (yay!). This goose was created by breeding many breeds together over the course of 7 years.

285. The people in the Basque region of Spain have an annual celebration called Antzar Eguna, or Day of the Goose. At this celebration, there is a game that has been played for over 300 years, that involves tying a greased-up goose to a rope suspended in the middle of the river. Participants take turns riding in a boat and trying to grab the goose to cut his head off. This is difficult due to the grease. I do not like this tradition one bit.

5/9/2023

286. This sign is posted at the Briarwood mall in Ann Arbor, MI. It is a good reminder to stay away from geese during their nesting season. While you may not mean any harm (unlike members of the Anti-Goose Media), geese are excellent parents and will not tolerate any strangers near their nests. Thank you to Amanda for submitting this fact.

287. This is the Flanders Goose (also known as the Flemish Goose). They are from the Flanders region of Belgium and descended from an ancient breed of goose that existed in the 16th century. They are known to be very intelligent and they love to take walks.

288. The horrible goose roundups that occur by members of the Anti-Goose Media are sadly not limited to just our country. In the Flanders region of Belgium, Egyptian geese (see facts #16, 177, 212) are considered one of the most rapidly spreading invasive species. As a result, many of them are rounded up and killed each year.
Traditional techniques such as nest destruction and molting captures are not successful (yay!). Hunting is also not successful because the Egyptian goose is an elusive goose. Therefore they use walk-in traps with decoy geese. These traps are set during mating season, and the geese mistake the decoys for potential mates.

Please urge Flanders to stop the Gander Slander!

289. Here is a goose attacking parishioners as they celebrate the feast of Theophany in Ukraine. I think he just wants to hug.

Here are some geese being nice to a monk.

290. As you know, geese mate for life and are very devoted to their families. It has been determined through studies using heart monitors that a goose’s heart rate increases when they see their mate and goslings

5/16/2023

Thank you to Anna for submitting this fact. 

291. This poor goose was suffering from a drug overdose in Carr Park in Huntington Beach, California. Thankfully someone walking by saw him and the pile of prescription medications (a mix of antidepressants, heart medications, anti-anxiety, and insomnia meds) laying nearby. The kind stranger determined that the goose had eaten them, and took action. The goose has made a full recovery!
Note: Please dispose of your prescription medications responsibly: do not do what this member of the Anti-Goose Media did. There are places you can take the medication to be disposed of properly. Many police stations do this.

292. Here is a cool chart of different types of eggs, their size, and nutritional value. Remember from fact #161 how goose eggs are generally unhealthy, since they have an enormous amount of cholesterol (1,227 mg of cholesterol in a goose egg (compared to 186 mg in chicken eggs). Doctors recommend no more than 300 mg per day). Thank you to Elizabeth S. for submitting this fact.

293. This is Gerald and Marcia, a pair of Canada geese who live at Melville’s campground in Marcellus, MI. Here they are with their goslings (born at the beginning of May) named Katherine, Carmelo, Arlo, Marley, Lakelyn, and Kai. Stay tuned for future updates on their growth. They are noisy and they like to chase the swans and other geese from their territory. They help guard the campground. Here they are on a date on the lake. Thank you to Emily N. for submitting this fact and for naming them.

294. This is the Lippe Goose. They are a fatty goose breed from Germany and are a very old breed. They were considered to be the only goose breed in the Westphalia region of Germany since about 1860. There was a massive decline of them in the 1950’s because fatty meat such as goose meat was frowned upon, so they were replaced with turkeys and chickens. The breed was considered extinct until a press campaign was launched by the LWL Open Air Museum Detmold, with the help of a judge who still knew the breed from exhibitions, and managed to track some down. Thanks to him, the Lippe goose was saved from complete disappearance at the last minute.

295. Do you recall fact #11 about Maxie, the world's largest Canada goose? Maxie was 24 pounds and had a wingspan of 7.3 feet. A statue of Maxie stands in Sumner, Missouri. Adam, one of my loyal subscribers, went to Sumner and saw the statue of Maxie! Here are some photos he took of him, as well as a gift he brought back for me. Thank you Adam!

5/23/2023

296.There is drama unfolding in South Portland, Maine between a Canada goose and an osprey. A pair of Canada geese were seen occupying an osprey nest at the end of a long pier. This seemed fine until the osprey returned!! Geese are known to take over other bird nests, like the osprey nest below. Thank you to Uncle Steve for submitting this fact.

297. These are my goose rain boots. The brand is Joules and I got them on Amazon. They have geese wearing boots and little rain hats. I thought you should all be aware.

298.This is the Drava Goose (also known as the Dravska Goose). They are from Croatia and live on the large pastures along the Drava River. In the year 2000, the Convention on Biodiversity program began to protect and preserve the Drava goose, along with the other native poultry breeds along the Drava River.

299. When the daffodils bloom, flocks of Snow Geese (see facts 63, 75, 93, 217) come to Skagit County, Washington State. It is quite a sight to behold. Thank you to Brianna for submitting this fact.

AND NOW FOR THE 300TH IGF!

300. Although you can’t see them, geese do have ears. They’re essentially just holes covered by feathers. This is what a goose’s ear looks like.

5/30/2023

New Trivia Question Next Week!

301. The new Snapchat AI has written a song about geese. Thank you to Elena for submitting this fact.

Verse 1:

Geese flying high in the sky

Wings flapping as they pass by

Honking loud, a symphony

Nature’s beauty for all to see

 

Chorus:

Geese, geese, flying free

A sight to see for you and me

Geese, geese, up so high 

A wonder that can’t be denied

 

Verse 2: 

Geese soaring over the land

A journey that’s truly grand

From north to south, they travel far

A journey that’s just who they are

 

Chorus:

Geese, geese, flying free

A sight to see for you and me

Geese, geese, up so high 

A wonder that can’t be denied

 

Bridge: 

Geese, geese, a symbol of grace

A reminder of nature’s peace

Geese, geese, a sight to behold

A story that’s never old

 

Chorus:

Geese, geese, flying free

A sight to see for you and me

Geese, geese, up so high 

A wonder that can’t be denied

 

Outro:

Geese flying off into the night

A beautiful sight that’s just right

Geese, geese, we’ll see you soon

A reminder that nature’s in tune

302. This is the Huoyan Goose (the one in the front with the large basal knob). They are from Changtu County in the Liaoning Province of China. The females can lay up to 210 eggs per year (compared to the males who lay 0 eggs per year). They love to eat rough fodder and are very resistant to cold weather.

303. Scientists have excavated what they believe to be a new goose-necked dinosaur in Mongolia called the Natovenator polydontus. They believe it lived 72 million years ago, and was similar to a goose, but not related. This is what they think it may have looked like.

304. This is an extinct bird known as the Vegaviidae. It is thought to be related very distantly to geese due to its skeleton, but it is not considered a direct ancestor. Scientists believe that they are the first bird group known to have survived the mass extinction of the dinosaurs. They say they honked like a goose and looked like a loon, but seriously how would they know that?

305. Half-marathon runners in Kansas City, Missouri were joined by a goose. The goose was running alongside the participants, but he did not win the race. Questions have been raised as to whether or not he was even a registered participant. Thank you to Kyle K. for submitting this fact.

6/6/2023

New trivia question!

Remember, be the first person to correctly answer the question and win the goose-themed prize! All the answers can be found in the IGF archives. Please do not use google- I can tell if you use google.

Past Winners:

1. Brian W.
2. Collin
3. Mia
4. Ann
5. Kyle K.
6. Amanda R.
7. David
8. Irelynd
9. Could be you!

Question: What goose-themed insulting nickname has China given Russia recently, following Russia’s missteps in Ukraine? 

306. This is the Lionhead Goose (also known as the Shitou Goose). They are an extremely large goose breed, and by far the largest in China. This goose has been hailed, “goose king of the world” due to their size. They are from Fubin Township, Raoping County, Guangdong Province, China. They are considered to be a delicacy in China and are included in many dishes. Look at this big boy!

307. A big thanks goes out to Winnie who brought her goose named Loosey to book club just to show me. Loosey is a very fine goose.

308. There is now an app for Apple Watch called Goose Maps. Unfortunately it does not show you a map of where every goose is located. It’s just a navigation app for regular places, not goose places. Thank you to Kat for submitting this fact.

309. Every morning in Paros, Greece, there are geese and ducks that join the morning traffic. They honk across the road so people are aware of their presence. They are likely making their way to the Naoussa waterfront for shenanigans. I will be in this area soon and will be sure to update you all on any Greek geese that I meet.

310. See fact #293 about Gerald and Marcia, the goose couple at the campground. It seems as though another family has been hanging out with them, and although Gerald is known for his temper, things seem to be peaceful. Perhaps this is the start of a gang brood, which is when geese group their families together and share the responsibility of taking care of the goslings. Some gang broods can have up to 100 goslings, and only a few adults. Adults may also adopt orphaned goslings. Thank you to Emily N. for submitting this Gerald and Marcia update.

6/13/2023

Congratulations Isabella! You are the winner of last week’s trivia!
To remind everyone, I asked what insulting goose-themed nickname China gave Russia recently on social media. Isabella was the first person to correctly answer that the nickname is:
Weak Goose.

Your prize will be given to you sometime this year.

Attention: 
It has been brought to my attention that many of your IGF emails have been going to spam. This is certainly the work of the Anti-Goose Media, and efforts are being made to stop them. In the meantime, please add me to your address book so that IGF is not sent to spam!

311. The Urban Rescue Ranch (see fact #244) has a female goose named Obama. She was taken into the ranch due to her previous home being a hoarding situation. She is the wife of the goose named Donald Trump. Here they are below, along with the other geese on the ranch. Please check out their Youtube channel! Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact.
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUrbanRescueRanch

312. This is the Hungarian Goose. They were introduced throughout the USSR in Soviet times, but remain popular in many places, including China. They are known to be strong and muscular with beautiful white (and sometimes gray) feathers. However, they do not like to be overcrowded and tend to get into fights if there is not enough room to spread out. If you own Hungarian geese, be sure to make their enclosure big enough to give each individual at least 1 square meter of room area. Also, if the humidity is too high, their feathers become rather frizzy.

313. A family of geese made a brave and perilous journey last month (May 2023) in Pittsburgh. Presumably they were headed to their molt site, where parents bring their goslings just before the annual molting for safety. The problem was the incredibly busy 4-lane road that they must cross to get to the molt site; and to make things even worse, Papa goose had hurt his foot. Rebecca Reid had been tracking them, and was very alarmed to see them disappear when a landscaping crew showed up. What had happened to the geese? Were they scared off by the landscaping crew? Did they try to cross the road and get hit? Or did they go hide inside a pipe under the road? Thankfully, eventually the geese made it safely across the road and to the molting site! Thank you Rebecca for your commitment to this family. 
P.S: Papa Goose’s foot is much better.

314. The terminal velocity of a goose is 32 meters/second if the goose is not flapping around. This is very fast. 

Also, the terminal velocity of their feces would only be enough to kill a person if the goose was flying at 501.8 meters high, and there was no air resistance whatsoever. So do not be afraid of death by goose feces thanks to our good friend, air resistance (but do be terrified if the air resistance stopped and a goose was flying at 501.8 meters right above you and decided to drop a load right on top of you. You would be dead).

315. The show The Incredible Dr. Pol is about a veterinarian in Michigan who takes care of all animals. He has helped several geese, including this goose named Ziggy. Ziggy is the emotional support animal for his owner who served in the military. Ziggy was having a hard time walking, and Dr. Pol diagnosed him with arthritis. Ziggy is doing better now!
P.S: There is also a wooden white goose hanging up in Dr. Pol’s office that holds leashes for the animals! See the first picture below.

6/20/2023

Thank you to Elizabeth S. for sharing this fact.

Please help save the geese in New Jersey and South Carolina!

https://www.idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/goose-cruelty/latest-news/geese-wildlife-services-new-jersey-south-carolina/

316. Here is a very important video of many geese at a gas station. I do not know why they are there, as geese do not need gas to fly (or do they?). Thank you to Maria for submitting this fact.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT81hoBrw/

 

317.There is an online video game called Goose Goose Duck. It is a game of social deduction where you and the other geese must work together to complete your mission. It is from the company Gaggle Studios, Inc. and is free to play. You can customize your goose with shirts, hats, pets, farts, and cosmetics. Has anyone ever played it?

318. Recently, the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal that challenged California’s 11-year ban on foie gras (see fact #263). The goose and duck farmers raised the argument that the ban flouted federal law, and that they “care about their animals just as much as any California politician.” This is the third time farmers in California have tried to challenge the ban. The Supreme Court rejected it and foie gras is still banned in California. Thank you to Elena for submitting this fact.
Reminder: foie gras is a dish made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been fattened particularly to have a massively fatty liver. The animals are force-fed through a tube and become extremely unhealthy. This practice is allowed in many areas, but more and more places are banning this, and questions are being raised as to how ethical it is. King Charles has banned it from being served at his residences. 

319. This is the Pskov Bald Goose. They are from Russia and are not actually bald. They have a white spot of feathers on their head that at first glance can look like a bald spot. They have powerful wings and are good at defending their families and territory with a strong blow by the wings.

320. This is art of a goose at the Tim Horton’s in Holly, MI. Thank you to Dave D. and Winnie for submitting this fact.

6/27/2023

321. BBC News had a caption challenge for the below picture of a goose crossing the road. Here are the top 6 winners. Personally, I am not a huge fan of most of these answers and feel like you all are much more creative.
Send me your own captions for this picture and I will post them next week!
If you don’t want your name posted, please say so.

6. John Ledbury, Bournemouth
"Goose to control tower, goose to control tower, on runway, permission to take off please."
"Come on Danny, stop playing about, and get up here."
5. Tyler Johnson, Mount Airy, USA
It's not just cars that can honk on the road…
4. Simon Rooke, Nottingham
Fined for jaywalking? Put it on my bill.
3. Boz, Bristol
"I'm just going for a gander over here."
2. SkarloeyLine, Middlesex
"I don't care if Christmas is coming, some of us believe in a healthy diet and exercise regime."
1. Robert Lindsay, Cardiff
OK, so where exactly is my lady's chamber?

322. This is the Kashmir Anz Goose. They are the first and only breed of domesticated goose in India. Despite being the only ones, their numbers are declining to critical levels. There are currently efforts to bring up their numbers. Some of the goslings are yellow and some of the goslings are darker. The yellow goslings grow to be the white adults while the darker goslings grow to be the brown adults.

323. This is Fifi, a giant magical pet goose belonging to Rumpel Stiltskin in the movie Shrek Forever After. He's used to pull his carriage, and Rumpel also uses his plucked feathers to sign his magic contracts. Fifi is pampered and treated as a noble. Sadly, Fifi dies at the end of the movie. He is a very important part of this incredible film masterpiece (I would argue he was misunderstood). Thank you to Collin for being with me when I discovered this fact.

324. In 1788, George Washington was gifted a pair of Chinese Geese (see facts 37, 38, 140, 179, 240). Also, here is a duck that looks like George Washington.

325. This is a goose magnet that my mother brought home one day. At first, I did not know where it came from but was very excited that he now lives at my house. He once belonged to my great-aunt and uncle in Indiana, but now resides in my garage.

7/4/2023

Happy Independence Day!

326. Caption Challenge Submissions from fact #321 in the order they were received:

1. Collin O.
“Hey guys look at me I’m a human. ‘Here I go commuting to my job again lol.’ ‘Rent is due next week lol.’ ‘I have depression lol.’”
2. Mia H.
"This goose was made for walking, and that's just what he'll do..."
3. Brian W.
“On the road again
Just can't wait to goose on the road again
The life I love is flying, honking with my friends
And I can't wait to goose on the road again

On the road again
Goosin' places that I've never been
Seein' geese that I may never see again
And I can't wait to goose on the road again

On the road again
Like a band of goosies we go down the highway
We're the goost of friends
Insisting that the world keep flying our way
And our way
Is on the road again
I just can't wait to goose on the road again
The life I love is flying, honking with my friends
And I can't wait to goose on the road again”
4. Ian R.
“In order to adapt to urban landscapes with less grassy feeding areas, geese are known to pick up part-time jobs to provide for their flocks. This mother goose is leaving her flock to be a Walmart greeter for the rest of the day.”

Thank you to all who submitted captions.

327. This is the Grigia Padovana Goose. They are from Italy and are known to be lighter than they were in the past (weight-loss journey). They are similar in appearance to the French Toulouse Goose (see fact #102). They are friendly and good at forging.

328. There is a store called Golden Goose that claims to sell luxury clothing items. I called and asked if they sell geese, and was rudely hung up on. Please call them yourself and let me know if you can find out if they sell geese. (313) 530-3112

329. This grandmother in Korea lives with 4 geese who go everywhere with her. They fiercely protect her from any and all potential threats. “Three years ago, I wasn’t able to speak for three months after having a brain hemorrhage operation. But living with them makes me feel like I am in paradise, without any concerns in my life,” she said. The geese and their grandma have become local celebrities.

330. Please see the below video of a man playing the harmonica for two geese. They absolutely love his performance, and even sing along. Thank you to Jack for submitting this fact. 

https://youtube.com/shorts/yATBIkMhL7Y?feature=share

7/11/2023

331. These are some goose families at the Promedica Bay Park Hospital in Oregon, Ohio. Notice how the cars stop and wait for them to cross the road. Thank you to Abby for submitting this fact.

332. On their way between roosting areas and foraging grounds, two low-flying Hawaiian geese (see facts #33 and 226) are seen flying over the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater in Hawaii. It is common to see them flying over the Kilauea caldera after sunrise and before sunset, but uncommon to see them flying this low over the lava lake. Thank you to Cindy for submitting this fact.

333. Refer to fact #22 about the Abyssinian Blue-Winged Goose. An analysis of their chromosomes suggests they may be related to a very ancient duck, together with the Hartlaub’s duck of Africa. As stated previously, little is known about them and they are often referred to as the “mystery bird.” It is the only member of the genus Cyanochen.

And now for our 85th goose breed we have learned about!

334. This is the Norwegian White Goose. They are known to be hardy and self-sufficient. Unfortunately they are quite rare in their homeland, and there are no Norwegian Whites in the United States. Females can lay up to 100 eggs per year if not allowed to sit (I don’t know what that means).

335. It is very common to see geese enjoying the greens of well-maintained golf courses. Here is a picture of them at Captain's Club golf course in Grand Blanc, MI (Thank you Cindy!). This is an annoyance to many people, but rest assured that there are humane ways to keep geese off of the golf course.

The best way to get rid of birds on golf courses is to prevent them before they come in the first place. Avian Migrate bird repellent spray is a non-toxic spray that can help keep geese and other birds off of the golf course and other areas. Applied every two weeks, Avian Migrate deters birds, but causes no damage to the bird or golf course.
Killing for convenience is never the answer!

7/18/2023

Interesting Goose Facts now has an Instagram!!

I don’t know how it works please help

Update on fact #334: Regarding the Norwegian White Goose, Jenni has informed me on what is meant by “females can lay up to 100 eggs per year if not allowed to sit.” This means that if the eggs are being taken away after laying, just like with chickens, the goose will continue to lay more eggs. If she is allowed to “sit” on her eggs then she won’t continue to lay, she will sit there waiting for her eggs to hatch.
Thank you Jenni!!

336. This is the Kars Turkish Goose and they are from Turkey. They are raised in a natural environment and in limited numbers, as opposed to the industrial-style goose breeding found in many other regions of Turkey. The climate conditions are very harsh, but the Kars goose is easily adaptable. However, harsh changes in the weather can affect their egg production.

337. Thank you Cindy who sent me this very lovely card during her trip to Hawaii! The card depicts a Hawaiian Goose, or Nene (see facts #33, 226, 332). Also, this lovely Nene sticker.

338. There is a type of sea bird called the Northern Gannet that is commonly referred to as the Solan Goose. They are sea birds in the family Sulidae and not geese at all. They are not even related besides the fact that they are both birds. There is also an album of songs by Gawain Erland Cooper called Solan Goose.

339. Please look at this amazing meme. Although it is fantastic, we must address the fact that geese should not be eating bread. Please do not ever feed geese bread, as it can be very bad for their health. Refer to fact #90 about how geese that are used to being fed bread will not seek out other food sources, causing them to become malnourished. Additionally, they could develop angel-wing syndrome (see fact #135). Thank you to David for submitting this meme.

340. Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf wrote a book in 1906 called The Wonderful Adventure of Nils. It tells the story of a naughty boy named Nils, who is turned into a Tomte – a small man with magical powers, guarding livestock and farm life – for the way he mistreats the farm animals and for involuntarily riding the farm goose and following a flock of wild geese migrating to Lapland.

7/25/2023

Attention:

IGF has a new mailing address! Please send me goose mail!

11426 Davis St

PO Box 737

Grand Blanc, MI 48480

Attention: 

As you may have noticed, IGF is using a new email address. Please add interestinggoosefacts@gmail.com to your address book to avoid spam!

 

New trivia question next week!!

341. Thank you Mia for sending me these beautiful Bar-headed geese. They are in the Cleveland Zoo and Mia says that they have the best honk. See facts #12, 21, and 108 for more information on Bar-headed Geese.

342. In the television show Family Guy, there is a scene where the main character confuses Portuguese with Porch Geese. See below.

343. This is the Diepholz Goose. They are from Germany and are bred for their large quantity of lean meat. They have a docile temperament and are very sociable, except when a female is sitting on her eggs (the males will become absolutely manic in protection). They are hardy and not fussy about eating poor quality pasture.

344. Sometimes, heavy rainfall may be referred to as a “goose drownder.” Perhaps this comes from the untrue belief that if a goose (also sometimes a turkey) looks up during a rainstorm, they will drown. Scientists have claimed that this is highly unlikely. In fact, geese tend to be rather skillful and clever in heavy weather events, including hailstorms. They look up to minimize their profile to make it less likely to be hit by falling hail (see fact #78).

345. American television host Jimmy Kimmel wrote and illustrated a book called The Serious Goose. I have read it and here is my review.
I think this book is clever but too negative and also provocative (there is a page where the goose is in his undies). Jimmy Kimmel also threatens legal action against the reader for changing the serious goose into a silly goose. I give it 5/10 stars.

8/1/2023

New trivia question!

 

Remember, be the first person to correctly answer the question and win the goose-themed prize! All the answers can be found in the IGF archives. Please do not use google- I can tell if you use google.

Past winners:

1. Brian W.
2. Collin
3. Mia
4. Ann
5. Kyle K.
6. Amanda R.
7. David
8. Irelynd
9. Isabella
10. Could be you!

Question: Why do the methods of population control that involve the mass killing of innocent geese and goslings never work? 

Attention: On the IGF website, there is a new Goose Index tab that lists all the geese we have learned about and where to find the facts about them!

346. This is the Mini Sebastopol Goose. They are very similar to the standard Sebastopol goose (see facts # 62, 185, 240). The main difference is that they are significantly smaller and lay fewer eggs. Some of the ganders have lavender colored chests, who together with the gray-chested females, produce blue colored goslings.

347. There is a book called Avery Aviator Explores the Sea about a snow goose named Avery. Avery is a very brave flier and teaches readers the ABC’s of the sea and that the sea doesn’t have to be scary. I purchased it for my Goddaughter, along with a stuffed animal of Avery! 10/10 stars for sure.

348. Huff’s Crystal Art in Frankfort, Michigan has amazing hand-blown crystal art and stained glass panels. Check out this goose waterfowl stained glass panel!

349. There is a video game called Horizon Zero Dawn where there are geese outside of the town of Meridian. They go about their business and you cannot kill them. Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact!

350. Mr. Ping is the adoptive goose father to Po in the movie Kung Fu Panda. Mr. Ping is a noodle chef and hopes his son will one day take over the family noodle business. Like all ganders, he is a very good father. It is important to note that real geese should probably not be cooking noodles. There are actually many geese throughout this movie; they act as messengers, palace guards, and general citizens. Thank you to Collin for being with me when I discovered this fact.

8/8/2023

Congratulations Grace! You are the winner of last week’s trivia!

To remind everyone, I asked why the methods of population control that involve the mass killing of geese and goslings never work. Grace was the first to correctly answer that those methods of goose removal just leave room for more geese to move in. More geese will see an empty spot and move in and the cycle will continue. Humane methods of removal are better for everybody.

Your prize will be given to you sometime this year.

351. This is the Garbonosa Goose. They are from Poland and are a good choice for farmers who cannot afford to have a pond, as this goose does very well without access to water for swimming. In fact, they prefer not to swim. They also do well with frost, but not wind. They must be provided shelter from wind.

352. There is a song by Aaron Copland called “I Bought Me A Cat.” There is a part in the song where he sings about buying a goose. It is described as a ‘children’s nonsense song’ due to the refrain repeating and just adding another barnyard animal each time. Excellent song. See below for part of the song. Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact.

353. In ancient Chinese animal symbolism and Feng Shui, the goose represents the delivery of matrimonial messages, married bliss, and resourcefulness.

354. Victory! I am happy to announce that thanks to the animal rights group In Defense of Animals and the National Goose Protection Coalition, together with the 25,000 people who signed petitions, the geese who live at Surfside Beach, SC have been saved from slaughter. They urged the town to stop the planned killing as a means of population control and encouraged non-lethal options instead. Thank you for saving our friends!

355. At the time of the First Crusade in 1096, there is an account by Albert of Aix that states that a goose and a goat led the Crusade.

“They asserted that a certain goose was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and that a she-goat was not less filled by the same Spirit. These they made their guides on this holy journey to Jerusalem; these they worshipped excessively; and most of the people following them, like beasts, believed with their whole minds that this was the true course” (Albert of Aix, Historia expeditionis Hierosolymitanae, 1.31).

There are other such accounts of a goose and a goat (but specifically the goose) leading the First Crusade, but whether they are true or not remains a mystery.

8/15/2023

356. A Canada goose wintering at Indiana Dunes State Park found herself frozen in the wet sand along the shores of Lake Michigan. She was unable to budge, and the fire department and local conservation officers were called to help. Luckily they were able to free her and she was taken to a veterinary facility for treatment.

357. This is the Benkovska White Goose. They are from Bulgaria. They have 1-2 abdominal skin folds for protection and have a low egg production (about 20-25 eggs per year). They are kept in closed flocks at the Agricultural Institute in Stara Zagora and Agricultural University in Plovdiv. This type of conservation is very risky since the whole flock can be lost if there is a disease epidemic. This shows the need for introducing smaller flocks in different regions, which is being carried out to bring up their numbers.

358. The Wingham Wildlife Park in Wingham, England has 4 types of geese and they are very popular! They have a female Greylag Goose named Ross (see fact #164) and a male African Goose named Waldo (see facts #4, 240) who have struck up a friendship and love to cuddle. They also have a Red-Breasted Goose named Kevin (see fact #29) and a Barnacle Goose named Bill (see facts #9, 99, 174).
Please see this video of Ross and Waldo being loud, with Kevin looking handsome in the back!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQWsAd7ydP0

 

359. There are four murals painted on the walls of the old Beaufort Post Office in Beaufort, North Carolina. One of them is this one of Canada geese. They were painted in 1939 by Simka Simkhovitch, commissioned by the United States government under Roosevelt’s New Deal Federal Arts Program, which gave work to American artists during the Great Depression.

360. Geese and other bird species have a special adaptation that helps keep them warm in harsh winter climates. They are able to circulate blood through a countercurrent heat exchange, meaning they isolate the blood that flows in their legs rather than circulating it throughout their entire bodies. This helps to keep their body temperatures higher. They also have specialized scales on their feet and legs that help minimize heat loss.

8/22/2023

361. This is the Benkov Goose. They originated in Europe in the 15th century, but have since spread to other areas such as Asia and North America. They have a remarkable ability to adapt to almost any habitat. This goose has a unique adaptation that enables them to digest food twice as fast as other species, allowing them to fly faster and farther. Perhaps the most remarkable characteristic of the Benkov Goose is their job as airmail carriers. They are able to transport papers and even bulky packages great distances (I have a crisp dollar bill for the first person to send me something via Benkov Goose).

362. There is a post on a blog called Living Every Minute that has an interesting take on the expression ‘never take a goose to a duck contest.’ Personally, I have never heard this expression before, but the author explained it to mean that while it is good to strengthen our weaknesses, we should be aware of what we can and cannot do and be realistic about it. “It’s ok to strengthen your weaknesses, but you are better off honing in on your strengths and surrounding yourself with people whose strengths are your weaknesses.”

363. The Goose Plague, also known as Derzy’s disease, is a highly contagious disease that affects young geese. It exists anywhere in the world where geese or Muscovy ducks are raised. Sadly there is no treatment and it can have a 100% mortality rate, but there is a vaccine that can be helpful in preventing it.

364. This is the Sushkin’s Goose, and he is extinct. Some consider them a subspecies of the Bean goose (see fact #45), but others say they were unique enough to be their own species. The Tunguska Event of 1908 (a large explosion in Russia) is largely considered responsible for their extinction.

365. Last night (7/28/2023) I had a dream that I was in a long hallway underground, with windows up above that had no glass in them. A large flock of Canada geese were grazing outside the glassless windows, and a young goose escaped down into the hallway and started running. I ran after him and eventually caught him and brought him back to his mother. The young goose was biting my hand so hard that it woke me up in imaginary pain.
According to the internet, being bitten by a goose in a dream signifies earnings, goodness, benefits, and wealth. It indicates that you will get financial gain with the support of one.

8/29/2023

366. This is the extinct New Zealand Goose. They consisted of two species, the North Island Goose and the South Island Goose. Both species were massive, far surpassing even the largest Canada Geese seen today, and flightless. They became extinct due to hunting when the Polynesians settled New Zealand, and were extinct before the arrival of European settlers. The Cape Barren Goose (see fact #42) is believed to be their closest relative today. See below skeletons of the smaller Cape Barren Goose vs. the massive South Island Goose.

367. This image surfaced online in 2010, and it appears to be a goose with his head on fire. Do not worry, the goose is not actually on fire: he just happened to walk in front of a campfire at exactly the right moment to get this photo. He has since become a meme. Facebook has censored this image for some reason (perhaps they are part of the Anti-Goose Media).

368. Technically speaking, not all geese are considered “true” geese. True geese include two living genera, Anser, which include gray and white geese such as the Greylag goose (see facts #164, 358) and the Snow goose (see facts # 63, 75, 93, 217, 299, 347), and Branta, which include black geese such as the Canada goose.

369. This is the English Saddleback Goose. They are from the UK and are considered to be an ancestor of the standard domesticated goose. They have a calm temperament and enjoy grazing free range. They get their name from the striking feather pattern on their backs; when viewed from above, it looks like a saddle. They can lay up to 150 eggs per year if they have the proper diet.

370. The Gray Goose Laws are a collection of laws from the Icelandic Commonwealth period (930-1262). They are the oldest collection of Medieval Icelandic laws. They are also known as Grágás. There are a few theories as to why these laws are named after the goose, such as the fact that the laws were written with a goose quill, the laws were bound in goose skin, and because of the age of the laws- it was then believed that geese lived longer than other birds.

9/12/2023

371. There are types of geese called Pygmy Geese that are technically more ducks than they are geese. They are the smallest waterfowl in the world, and very strikingly beautiful. See fact #133 for the African Pygmy Goose. Please see below for the Cotton Pygmy Goose and Green Pygmy Goose. The Cotton Pygmy Goose is from Australia and Asia, and the Green Pygmy Goose is from Australia and New Guinea. They like to nest in tree holes.

372. I recently got home from a vacation to Greece, to celebrate the wedding of some friends. I do not mean to alarm any of you, but I did not encounter a SINGLE goose on my entire 11 day trip to Greece. I couldn’t believe it. I had hoped to have at least one Greek Goose Fact for you. I am sorry.
However, geese were heard but not seen (not by me) on Mt. Athos in Greece. So there must be geese there. They are just highly elusive.

373. The company Away With Geese is a company that humanely deters geese from a property. They are surely not part of the Anti-Goose media. “Our guaranteed geese deterrent products feature a solar-powered light that is scarcely noticeable to humans but is very disruptive to the sleep of the geese, causing them to find another habitat after just a few restless nights. The solar-powered lights charge each day and flash 360 degrees, every two seconds from dusk to dawn, at eye-level of the geese. They require no maintenance and the durable ABS plastic of their bases will withstand any weather conditions. Each unit will get rid of geese in a 100-yard radius.”

374. Please look at my new goose towel that I got for my bathroom. I purchased it on Temu! There is also a gray one available for purchase. 10/10.

375. There is a video on Instagram of a camping tent being pecked at by a gaggle of geese. Unfortunately, the person in the video said they were ducks. These are not ducks, and please refer to fact #151 for the difference between geese and ducks. Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact.

9/19/2023

Attention: Please see the new Resources tab on the IGF website for easy access to humane goose removal techniques!

 

376. Please refer to facts #157 and #230 for porch geese. Do you want to have your very own porch goose? I know I do (I would name her Matilda). A porch goose is a fake goose that is on your porch that you dress up in many different outfits. Please go to the below website if you would like to start your porch goose journey. Thank you to Mia and Cindy for submitting this fact.
https://www.mileskimball.com/shop-goose-outfits?query=goose&referrer=/search-page

 

377. This is the Franconian Goose. They are an old breed that developed along the flood plains of the winding Rivers Main and Frånkische Saale. This area was part of the former Duchy of Franconia, in southern Germany. They require little feed during harsh winters and are used for their meat and feathers. At the beginning of the 21st century, they were taken to top shows and exhibits and did very well. Their popularity spread all throughout Germany.

378. Steve the Goose ran for mayor of Moose Jaw, Canada in 2020. Besides being a family man (see below Steve with his mate Lulu and their goslings), Steve has an inspiring story that touched the hearts of many. One day, he was stolen from his home by a fox and presumed dead. Amazingly, Steve was able to escape the fox, and because he is unable to fly, traveled the whole way on foot. If this isn’t everything we should be looking for in a political candidate, I don’t know what is.

A Facebook page was started to showcase Steve’s policies if elected. “Steve "The Goose" is a family man, err, goose, who understands how people are struggling at the moment and promises to OVERTURN the pay increase the previous administration voted for,” the Facebook pledge reads adding, “In fact Steve will be implementing a pay freeze effective immediately with all monies saved going back into the city's coffers. A Vote For Steve is a Vote for fiscal responsibility. Do you really think you can have a family this size without knowing how to budget?”
The Facebook page also speaks to Steve's proven leadership abilities.
“Steve has what it takes to move this city forward with proven leadership skills. He is never afraid to get dirty or get down to the real work,” the page said.
Sadly, Steve did not win the election.

379. Anatidaephobia is the fear of geese, ducks, or swans. It can be traced back to Gary Larson, creator of “The Far Side” comic. His cartoon depicted a paranoid office worker with the caption, “Anatidaephobia: The fear that somewhere, somehow, a duck is watching you.” See the duck staring at the man from another building.
The phobia goes beyond this and includes all members of the family, not just ducks, and also includes being attacked by them (see fact #100 to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack. I cannot help you with a duck or swan attack).

380. The children’s television show The Fairly OddParents has a rubber goose in its opening theme song. The rubber goose is actually the main character’s mean babysitter (sadly she does not stay a rubber goose).

9/26/2023 

381. The employee entrance at Ascension Genesys Health Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan has a fake owl decoy that is very effective at keeping geese away from the door. Some would say there used to be a goose ‘problem’ by that door, but ever since the instillation of this humane deterrent technique, there haven’t been any geese by the entrance! Although I do not mind the geese there, I am happy to see humane techniques being used. See the Resources page on the IGF website for more humane goose removal techniques.

382. This is the Leine Goose. They are from Germany and are considered critically endangered. They get their name from their original habitation, the Leine River in Germany. They are known to be patient when grazing, because they are willing to walk a long time in order to find the best food. Many of them have very nice blue eyes.

383. Please see fact #315 for the show The Incredible Dr. Pol. Dr. Pol has treated another goose, this time a goose named Boss Man. Boss Man bit a dog, and the dog bit back. Thankfully they are both fine with no major injuries.

384. A Canada Goose on the Putnam County Golf Course in New York was minding his own business when he was struck by a golf ball. The goose was fine, just momentarily dazed. Unfortunately, the golfer thought the goose was dying and decided to beat the goose to death with his golf club in a misguided “euthanasia attempt.” It was ruled that the goose would have survived being hit by the golf ball. A petition is going around to demand justice for the poor goose. The man has been arrested.

No photo because it is too graphic.

https://www.idausa.org/campaign/justice-for-animals/latest-news/goose-golf-club/

385. Artist Gwen Frostic has a studio in Benzonia, Michigan and her artwork is known around Michian to be whimsical and detailed. Frostic made nature prints, and I encourage everyone to check out her work. Here is a goose she made, along with a print roller that she used. Thank you to Jenni for submitting this fact. 

https://www.gwenfrostic.com/

9/29/2023

September 29th is International Goose Day!

Good afternoon, loyal subscribers! Today is perhaps one of the best days of the year, Goose Day! 

Also known as Michaelmas Day, it was created in 480 by Pope Felix 3. It is celebrated in Juniata and Mifflin countries but immigration took it to Pennsylvania. In the old countries, it was a day where everybody paid their rent, often with a handsome goose. In Pennsylvania there is a goose festival. 

See you there later today!

Here is a song to be played on Goose Day!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OAIWsxH7T0

 

Here are some activities to help you participate in the festivities.

Please wish every goose you meet today a happy goose day. 

10/3/2023

Thank you to Collin for submitting this.

New Trivia Question Next Week!

386. More geese at Dr. Pol’s vet clinic! Please see facts #315 and 383 for more Dr. Pol geese. This time, Dr. Pol is treating a Canada goose named Jimmy. Jimmy had a laceration on his foot, and the skin was too thin to close with sutures. Dr. Pol used glue instead, and Jimmy is fine!

And now for our 100th goose breed we have learned about!

See the Goose Index on the IGF website for all the past breeds.

387. This is the Pereyaslavskaya Goose and they are from Ukraine and Russia. This goose is distinctive in the region for their striking dark neck stripes. Also, unlike other breeds in the region, they have darker legs and beaks. They have excellent survival rates for their goslings, as about 90% of them are born strong and resistant to common gosling diseases.

388. Most of the time, geese are not as brightly colored as ducks or other birds. Geese usually tend to be a mix of browns, whites, or grays (there are exceptions to this). This is due to their feathers being used as an adaptation to blend in with their environment, as well as a low diet of carotene, which is what gives birds colorful feathers. A goose’s diet is generally too low in carotene to evolve colorful feathers. However, all geese are beautiful whether they have colorful feathers or not.

389. In the movie Top Gun, there is a character played by Anthony Edwards who is nicknamed Goose. His real name in the movie is Nick Bradshaw, and he is a human. Very misleading.

390. There are many Canada geese that venture into animal enclosures at zoos. Here is one inside of the camel enclosure that I saw at the Detroit Zoo. For the most part, the zoo animals live in harmony with the geese. Thank you to Collin for being with me when I discovered this fact.

10/10/2023

New trivia question!

 

Remember, be the first person to correctly answer the question and win the goose-themed prize! All the answers can be found in the IGF archives. Please do not use google- I can tell if you use google.

Past winners:

1. Brian W.
2. Collin O.
3. Mia H.
4. Ann S.
5. Kyle K.
6. Amanda R.
7. David S.
8. Irelynd O.
9. Isabella O.
10. Grace R.
11. Could be you!

 

Question: What is the name given to the three types of geese (that aren’t technically geese) that are the smallest waterfowl in the world?

(I had to remove one of the geese in this meme because it was not appropriate)

391. This is the Euskal Antzara Goose. They are a traditional Spanish breed of goose from the historical Basque Country. They are the only recognized breed of Spanish goose in that area. Little is known about their history, but they are mainly used for their eggs and sometimes meat.

392.  The Wawa Goose is a monument in the town of Wawa, Canada and has been around since 1963. It gets its name from the Legend of Big Goose (see fact #25). The Wawa Goose is made of steel and is one of the most photographed landmarks in North America. It stands 28 feet tall and 22 feet long. If anyone ever goes to Wawa, please send me a photo of the Wawa goose!

393. Determining the sex of a gosling can be a difficult task. In some breeds it is possible to tell at birth, but this is not always the case. One way to tell is by feeling the gosling’s pelvic bones. In the case of a male, there is a small gap between the bones. In the case of a female, there is a wider gap between the bones. When it comes to adults, the males are larger and have a lower “honk” sound, while the females are smaller and have a higher “hink” sound.

394. Grey Goose Vodka is a French Vodka and very popular. It is made with two ingredients (no geese) and distilled once before bottling. The company states that they are unique because they make their vodka from scratch- they do not use someone else’s raw grain spirit (apparently other vodka brands do this. Yikes).

395. Victory! Up to 100 Canada Geese in Foster City, CA have been saved from death in August 2023. Originally, there was a plan in place to kill the geese to control the goose poop problem, but the plan was replaced with a community volunteer goose poop pick-up event. Ironically, Foster City Parks and Recreation powerwashed the entire park the previous day, so there was no poop to clean. However, it shows that people are willing to work for non-lethal solutions that work better anyway. Thank you to the hard work of everyone who saved our friends in Foster City! See the Resources tab on the IGF website for humane techniques.

10/17/2023

Congratulations, Cindy C! You are the winner of last week’s trivia!

To remind everyone, I asked what was the name given to the three types of geese (that are not technically geese) that are the smallest waterfowl in the world. Cindy was the first to correctly answer that they are called Pygmy Geese.

Pygmy Geese are more like ducks than they are geese and come in three types: the African Pygmy Goose, the Green Pygmy Goose, and the Cotton Pygmy Goose. They are the smallest waterfowl in the world.

Your prize will be given to you sometime this year.

Attention: See the new Winners tab on the IGF website for all the trivia winners!

396. This is the Landes Goose. They have been bred in France since the beginnings of the country, and are known to be peaceful and fast-growing. In the 1960’s they were imported to Slovakia and Hungary for research on creating meat hybrids. Landes geese do not hatch naturally, because long selection has suppressed the instinct for sitting on eggs. Therefore, the eggs have to be incubated in an electric hatching incubator.

397. At an animal shelter in Wiltshire, UK, an unlikely friendship was formed. A baby goat, baby emu, and baby goose have become best friends and go everywhere together. Taz the emu was rejected by his parents and born in an incubator. Alfred the goat kid was also rejected by his mother. Wiggle the gosling was also born in an incubator. The three have bonded incredibly well after being hand-reared together.

398. Leon Allen "Goose" Goslin (October 16, 1900 – May 15, 1971) was an America professional baseball player. He played for the Washington Senators, St. Louis Browns, and Detroit Tigers from 1921 until 1938. He earned the nickname Goose because of his difficulty in judging fly balls (silly), and because he tended to flail his arms around while running after the ball, like a goose flapping his wings. He is not a real goose.

399. There is a silent film that came out in 1925 called The Goose Woman. The film is about an opera singer who loses her voice and hates her son and ends up raising a lot of geese. I have not seen it but if I do, I will create a review of it. The real stars are clearly the geese.

400. Canadian actor Ryan Gosling (left) is also not a real goose. He is known for many films and shows, including his recent portrayal of Ken in the Barbie movie. Gosling had a troubled childhood, and would bring knives to school to throw at the other children. I think he has calmed down since then.

10/24/2023

Attention: Please send me goose mail! All I am getting is junk mail. Our mailing address is: 

11426 Davis St.

PO Box 737

Grand Blanc, MI 48480

 

Attention: Have you checked out the IGF website lately? Not only can you view the Archives (all the past newsletters), but you can also view the Goose Index page that shows every goose breed we have learned about, and the Resources page that shows you humane goose removal techniques. The newest page is the Winners page, that shows all the past winners of trivia contests. 

You can also Subscribe people to the newsletter! They do not have to know!

401. Another baseball player named Goose! Richard Michael “Goose” Gossage was a pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball for 9 different teams between 1972 and 1994. He got the nickname Goose because he would stretch his neck out to see the signs given to him by the catcher. He also is not a real goose. Thank you to Kurt for submitting this fact.

402. This is the Obroshin Goose. They are a new breed of goose from the Ukraine. They were first bred in 1957 by crossing Chinese geese with other Ukrainian breeds. They are known to have extremely high quality down and a high gosling survival rate. Some Obroshin geese have more white feathers, and some have more gray feathers.

403. Here are some Canada geese on the shores of Lake Huron on Mackinac Island, Michigan. There are lots of bird species on Mackinac Island, and many migratory birds such as geese make it a stop between their summer and winter homes. Thank you to Landon for submitting this fact.

404. See the Goose Index on the IGF website for more on the Snow Goose. There is a type of Snow Goose that is called a Blue-Morph Snow Goose that has a dark body and white head, versus the traditional Snow Goose who has a fully white body. The Blue-Morph Snow Goose makes up about 25% of all Snow Geese.

Additionally, the Blue-Morph is part of the subspecies of Lesser Snow Goose, which has more color and is generally smaller. The Greater Snow Goose subspecies is generally all white and larger, and the type we have learned about in the past.

405. The Instagram account @glen.the.goose is about a farm full of geese. One video posted talks about one of their geese, Pickles, who has an unusually sweet nature. He and another goose, Maisie, discovered some worms. Instead of eating the worm, Pickles just stared at it, shook his head, and walked away. Additionally, he made Maisie, who was chomping on one, leave it alone. The video states that they have never seen a goose that was so aware of others. It is a lesson to us all to be kind to the creatures we encounter.
Note: it should be noted that geese usually love to eat worms, so Pickles’ act of kindness to the worm is strange and sweet.
Second note: I don’t know for sure, but I suspect Pickles is an American Buff Goose (see fact #128).

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween!

406. This is the Solnechnogorsk Goose. They are from Solnechnogorsk, Russia but raised mainly in Moscow. They were bred by crossing the Toulouse Goose and the Kholmogory Goose, and then mating that crossbreed with a Chinese Goose. The goal at creating this goose was to make a goose that was massive in weight (goal accomplished) and with good hatching rates (goal semi-accomplished). They are very large geese and some have the basal knob while others do not. Please see the Goose Index on the IGF website for all of these geese mentioned.

407. Dressing up for Halloween isn’t just for children, it is also for porch geese! See facts #157, 230 and 376 for porch geese fun. Please let me know if you see any porch geese dressed up for halloween!

408. Here is a very cool beer stein with a goose on it. It is for sale at the gift shop of the Frankenmuth Historical Museum in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Thank you to Landon for submitting this fact.

409. See fact #203 for “whiffling” geese. Sometimes, usually before a goose comes in to land, they will twist their bodies around in a strange way where their heads are still upright. It almost doesn’t look real, but scientists and engineers have finally figured out why and how geese do this.
Twisting around like this and descending in a zig-zag pattern allows the goose to break just before landing. They are able to keep their heads upright and perfectly still because their necks resemble suspension systems found in cars.
Research on this whiffling technique could be used to develop stable camera equipment for drones.

410. Have you ever seen a bumpy pumpkin covered in warts? Those handsome boys are called Goosebump Pumpkins! I think we grew one in our garden this year (left), although the warts are not as pronounced as this pumpkin I found on the internet (right).

11/7/2023

411. St. Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours, is a Saint in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church and he is commemorated on November 11. St. Martin was born at Sabaria in Pannonia (modern Hungary) in 316. He served reluctantly in the army, and was given the grace to work miracles. St. Martin heard that he was to become the next Bishop of Tours, and out of his humility, did not want to. To escape his ordination, he hid in a stable full of geese. Unfortunately the geese made lots of noise and betrayed his hiding place. St. Martin was indeed made Bishop of Tours in 371. He is called St. Martin the Merciful for his mercy and generosity to the poor.

412. This is the Italian Goose. They are from Italy and are a new breed of goose, originating in the 20th century. They became popular in Soviet times and now can be found on farms all over the world. They are able to adapt to pretty much any climate which makes them popular with farmers. Unfortunately there is almost a complete lack of maternal instinct in the females, which means eggs must be incubated inside the household.

413. Have you ever wondered how to say goose in 43 languages? Here you go! Please do not ask me for pronunciation. Thank you to Irelynd for submitting this fact.

414. This little guy is called a Mongoose, and is not related to geese in any way. In fact, they aren’t even birds! They are carnivorous mammals that are native to India. The name comes from an Indian word that sounds like Mongoose, and the English changed the spelling to look like it does today. They regularly take on cobra snakes and win (and then eat the whole snake). They can be tamed and kept as pets to control snakes and vermin. Mongoose are illegal to import into the US.

415. Please be aware of Anti-Goose Media members like those at the company Goose Busters! They claim to have humane removal techniques, but a quick look at their website reveals their lie! As we have learned, Goose Roundups are most certainly not humane, as the geese are taken when they cannot fly and killed in gas chambers (also, I may add that this is usually tax-payer funded). Using specially trained herd dogs to deter geese nesting in a particular area is one thing, but actively killing something just because it is annoying to you is another. Do not believe the Goose Buster lies. See also fact #122 about this company. I have contacted this company to ask about the truthfulness of their “humane” ways. Thank you to Mia for submitting this fact.

11/14/2023

Look at my new goose sign! I have named them Geneva and Edwin. Thank you to Grace R. for this amazing gift!

416. This is the Governor’s Goose and they are from Russia. They were bred from the Italian Goose (see fact #412) and thus look very similar to them. An interesting characteristic about them is that you can tell if a gosling is a male or female on day 1 of being hatched. Their down is very beautiful and used for many things. They also have high fertility rates due to polygamy.

417. Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries is an animal rescue in England. Specifically, they rescue abandoned or mistreated farm animals. Including geese! You can even help the geese in their sanctuary by virtually adopting a goose! Please see the website for how you can adopt Biscuit the Goose. This is her photo below, and she is very pretty. Biscuit came to the sanctuary after her owner could no longer care for her. Another goose, Brucey, came to the sanctuary after he was dumped on toxic algae by a member of the Anti-Goose Media.
https://www.goodheartanimalsanctuaries.com/meet-the-animals/geese/

418. Geese like to groom themselves with a process called preening, which is similar to what all birds do. Preening involves using the beak to groom, straighten and align the feathers in the optimum position. They also get rid of any dirt and parasites living on their feathers. Preening also helps to waterproof the feathers by distributing an oily, waxy substance from the uropygial gland.

419. There are many geese that appear in the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. These geese lay golden eggs and are probably the best part of the movie.

420. There is a cannabis dispensary in Sauget, IL called Goose Lake Dispensary. The company is Beyond Hello and they sell marijuana for both medical and adult use. Although IGF does not support the use of drugs, we do encourage supporting stores that use the name Goose.

11/21/2023

Thank you to Rebekah for submitting this meme.

421. This is the Bilgorey Goose (left) and he is from Europe, mainly Northeastern Poland, but have also spread to North America. Their origin can be traced back centuries to European aristocracy. They are known to be slightly larger than other breeds, but not too large. They enjoy eating aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and other small prey found near the surface of the water. They are known to plunge into the water after prey.

422. Please see this video of Cuthbert the goose celebrating his 4th birthday. He got many nice treats, including a carrot, a piece of cake, and a pair of gloves. All of his farm friends attended and it looked like a grand party. Happy birthday, Cuthbert! (May 26)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd11shHSh-A

423. Here at IGF, we maintain that children are innocent, pure, and deserving of all blessings. However, I have discovered a few possible child members of the Anti-Goose Media! These are screenshots from Instagram videos because I do not know how to insert the videos into this email. The first one shows a goose probably biting the child, but then the child bites back?!!?! The second shows a child right before they kick a goose in the head! This is NOT how you defend yourself from a goose attack. Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact.

424. More Instagram geese! This is a super cool dude taking his goose for a walk on a leash! Thank you to Elizabeth S. for submitting this fact.

425. We have all heard the term silly goose before, but where does it come from? Perhaps it started with Samuel Johnson’s 1755 dictionary that described a goose as, “a large waterfowl proverbially noted, I know not why, for foolishness.” But geese have long been perceived or characterized as foolish due to their clumsy-looking waddle, the gander’s dramatic hissing at a perceived threat, the use of a goose to represent a vain or foolish man in Egyptian hieroglyphics, and the portrayal of geese as unwise or gullible characters in fables and fairy tales. Personally, I think this is a little harsh, but there is no denying they are silly.

11/28/2023

426. This is the Polish Oat Goose. They have a long history of being raised for their meat, which is said to be delicious. They are fed solely ecological feed, and then a few weeks before being fattened, are fed exclusively oats. They are the most popular goose breed to eat in Poland.

427. Another goose birthday! This is Edna, and she is a Chinese Goose (see the Goose Index on the IGF website) who is celebrating her 22nd birthday. She lives in the San Francisco Zoo. Happy birthday, Edna! (April 6)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-5Exd9XBAY

428. There is a public transportation service in Wisconsin called the Blue Goose. The bus has a very affordable fare and can also provide transfers to and from the route 1 and 2 buses. The Blue Goose Bus is on route 4. To ride the Blue Goose, call (715) 682-9664.
There is also a line of buses with the same name at Georgia Southern University that are specifically for transporting tipsy college students home from bars to avoid drinking and driving situations. This service was created and owned by a student of GSU.

429. Have you noticed that some police cars in Michigan are blue? Since the 1930’s, police cars in Michigan have looked the same: black and gold. In 1954, they were changed to the bright shade of blue that is standard today. Some of the troopers didn’t like it and nicknamed the cars Blue Goose. Which is why the patrol car is sometimes referred to as a Blue Goose. Thank you to Elizabeth S. for submitting this fact. The police are not part of the Anti-Goose Media!

430. An interesting looking goose was spotted in Vancouver’s West End among a flock of Canada Geese. One theory is that he is leucistic, a term that describes a pigment abnormality (see fact #101). Another theory is that the bird is a hybrid love child, perhaps the result of the union of a Canada Goose and a domestic goose or similar species. Whatever he is, he certainly is handsome!

12/5/2023

New Trivia Question Next Week!

431. There is a lot of cuteness to unpack in this Instagram video (again, I only know how to post screenshots). It appears to be some sort of doggie training class, but there are also alpacas, turkeys, and geese! What a wonderful place to be. Thank you to Cindy for submitting this fact.

432. This is the Rhine Goose. They are originally from the area around the Rhine River in Germany. They are considered a moderate breed, and slightly elongated. Only 65% of their eggs will hatch into goslings, but 95% of those goslings will survive into adulthood. They breed at home in Germany, but also in Ukraine and Russia.

433. Please see facts #244 and #311 for The Urban Rescue Ranch, a ranch that has lots of animals, including geese. This time, in the video below, they are rescuing a male African Goose (see facts #4, 240, 358) and a female duck from an area where people regularly abandon them. It is NOT ok to leave your domesticated geese or ducks in public parks. It can actually be a death sentence in some cases, because these animals don’t have the skills they need anymore to survive in the wild. Sadly many people decide to get a pet goose or duck, not realizing how much work is required, and then abandon them at a park. While hearts are usually in the right place, this is not the solution and can be very bad for them. Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IaO6SyKL2vI

434. More geese at Dr. Pol’s vet clinic! See facts #315, 383 and 386 for more geese at Dr. Pol’s. This is Mr. Violence and he got into a fight with a dog. Mr. Violence had built up scar tissue in his neck that Dr. Pol easily removed. He is doing fine now.

435. This time on The Incredible Dr. Pol, a Sebastopol Goose (see facts #62, 185, 240, 437) named Sebastian came in because he was losing weight and not eating. Dr. Pol determined he had an infection from Coccidia, and gave him antibiotics to fight it. Dr. Pol also told Sebastian’s owner to give the antibiotics to the rest of the flock back home, because Coccidia can be contagious and deadly if not treated. Sebastian is doing fine now!

12/12/2023

New trivia question!

 

Remember, be the first person to correctly answer the question and win the goose-themed prize! All the answers can be found in the IGF archives. Please do not use google- I can tell if you use google.

Past winners:

1. Brian W.
2. Collin O.
3. Mia H.
4. Ann S.
5. Kyle K.
6. Amanda R.
7. David S.
8. Irelynd O.
9. Isabella O.
10. Grace R.
11. Cindy C. 
12. Could be you!

 

Question: What are three (3) reasons a goose will preen him/herself? 

436. This is the Steinbacher Goose and he is from Germany. The origin of the breed is not well documented, but many sources point to a cross between the Chinese Goose and another local German goose breed. They are often described as confident, and have a black tip on their bill that is very distinctive (and sometimes referred to as lipstick). This goose is also very popular at shows due to their attractive blue color and outgoing personality with humans.

437. Here at IGF, we have learned about 111 breeds of goose (and there are more to come!). However, the American Poultry Association only recognizes 12 breeds of geese: African, American Buff, Canada, Chinese, Egyptian, Embden, Pilgrim, Pomeranian, Sebastopol, Steinbacher, Toulouse and Roman. Please see the Goose Index on the IGF website for all of these geese.

438. This is a dog toy that is a goose, and claims to be indestructible. Have any of your dogs tried it? Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact.

439. There is a company called Goose Media. They are a land conservation group that also does photography. I very much enjoy their logo. “Since 1950, we have led the effort to permanently protect nearly 110 million acres of wilderness. We have been at the forefront of nearly every major public lands victory.”
Here is some of their work.

440. The Goose Girl is a fantasy novel by Shannon Hale. It is the first in her Books of Bayern series. The book is based off of a Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale of the same name published in 1815. It is an adventure about a Princess who can speak to geese and other birds. I thought this book was very good, and I recommend it to everyone. A central theme that stuck out to me (besides silly goosiness) is friendship. Thank you to Elena for recommending this book.

12/19/2023

Thank you to Kyle K. for submitting this fact.

Congratulations Mia, you are the winner of last week’s trivia!
To remind everyone, I asked what are the three reasons a goose will preen him/herself. Mia was the first to correctly answer that a goose will preen himself to straighten and align the feathers, to clean any dirt or parasites off the feathers, and to distribute oil from the uropygial gland to waterproof the feathers.

Your prize will be given to you sometime this year.

441. The Instagram account @glen.the.goose is about a farm full of geese. Please see fact #405 for more about them. In this video, the geese’s caretaker has broken her foot, and the geese (especially Glen) are very concerned about her. She tries to play with them, but the geese make sure she takes it easy. They do not want her to run around and play, they would rather her rest. This is just like in the wild when a goose has injured himself; one or two others in the flock will stay back with him until he is better. Thank you to Elena for submitting this fact.

442. This is the Austrian Landrace Goose. They are from Austria. Some do not consider them their own breed, as they are very similar to the Bavarian Landrace Goose (see fact #76) and the Alsatian Goose (see fact #263). They are a rare breed of goose with a deep history in Austria. Their eggs and feathers are their primary uses.

443. The Woodland Zoo in Washington has a wonderful wetland exhibit that has at least two breeds of geese! They had Swan Geese and Bar-Headed Geese. Please see the very handsome Bar-Headed Goose below. Thank you to Elizabeth S. for submitting this fact. See the Goose Index on the IGF website for the geese mentioned.

444. Michigan artist Tammy Dailey created a quilt pattern called Wild Goose Chase. It is very beautiful. Check out Tammy’s amazing artwork in the Gerald R. Ford Museum as well as on her Instagram page @fineartbytammy.

445. Geese are very good at camouflage. They have a special adaptation called countershading, where their bottom feathers are lighter and their top feathers are darker. This helps them stay hidden from predators. Canada, Snow, Greylag and other species of geese are known for countershading. Additionally, in Canada Geese, their black necks create a natural shadow while their brown body blends in when they lay flat. Can you see the Canada Goose in this photo?
(see the Goose Index on the IGF website for all of these geese.)

12/26/2023

446. This is a song called The Goose Song and it was written by Grace R. It is an excellent song, written for piano, and I have included a short piece of the beginning for your enjoyment. Stay tuned for concert info to hear this song played live.

447. “Cobra Chicken” is a delightful nickname for geese going around the internet. In this Instagram video, there is a very friendly flock of Canada Geese that appear to be curious about the man filming. They do not act aggressive toward him. The caption reads “The Cobra Chickens have chosen a new leader.” This proves that geese are not always aggressive, and only attack when they feel their families are in danger. Thank you to Cindy for submitting this fact. (See fact #100 to learn how to defend yourself from a goose attack.)

448. This is the Lianhua White Goose and he is from China. They are very important to the economy of Lianhua County, China, where they get their name. There are many farms in the county that raise these geese, mainly for their meat, and those goose farms have helped them rise out of poverty. They are also known to lay about 24 eggs per season and have strong disease resistance.

449. In 2018, Santa flew in a glider above the French countryside with a flock of geese. The geese did not mind him being so close, and even seemed to treat him as part of their skein.

450. If you have a few minutes, please read this short story called “A Christmas story: Season’s greetings from the geese” by Lori Walsh. It is a magical Christmas story of a goose named Grandpa Goose who teaches a human a thing or two not only about the magic of Christmas, but about life itself. It is very sweet and worth the read.
“Nobody sees Santa Claus. But that doesn’t mean there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders that are unseen and unseeable in the world.”

https://www.argusleader.com/story/life/2014/12/24/christmas-story-seasons-greetings-geese/20847941/

 

1/2/2024

Happy New Year!

451. Here are some goose-themed presents I have gotten recently. Thank you so much to everyone who gifted me these amazing items! The stuffed goose is named Barbara and she bites anyone who tries to call her Barb.

452. This is the German Laying Goose and he is from Germany. They are a domesticated breed of goose known for their excellent egg-laying abilities. They have a calm and friendly temperament and are very good parents.

453. Thank you to Isabella O. who made me these silly goose stickers in her graphic design class!! What a handsome goose!!

454. The company Goose Masters is similar to the company in fact #114, Geese Chasers, where they use specially trained dogs to chase away geese off of property. It is a humane technique of goose removal because the geese are not harmed in this process. “Our society must find a way to exist with all forms of life instead of destroying everything that is deemed a nuisance or inconvenience.”
https://www.goosemasters.com/

455. Geese are considered external filter feeders. The inside edges of their bills contain tiny structures called lamellae that filter food from water. Note: this is different than the tomium on their tongues (see fact #1).

1/9/2024

456. Bruce the goose came to an animal sanctuary after an unfortunate incident with a raccoon that left him missing the upper part of his bill. Students at the STEAM Center and Community Makerspace at the Bridgerland Technical College made him a prosthetic bill using a 3D printer. Bruce remains with the rescue as a therapy animal helping humans who get prosthetics. Very handsome! See fact #98 for another goose named Tilly who also got a prosthetic bill made from dental acrylic.

457. This is the Fengcheng Goose. They are from China and are known for their very large size. They look very similar to other breeds of geese in China. They can lay up to 40 eggs and have excellent meat quality. They are considered some of the best egg layers in China.

458. As little as a century ago, people in England kept geese in a half-wild state, letting their geese forage and live on the River Cam. The geese spent the spring and summer on the village green, then migrated to the river for the winter. In February, the owners would call their geese, which responded to their voices, and returned home to nest. Those offspring were significant to the income of those villagers.

459. Sadly I have discovered that the television show The Regular Show is probably part of the Anti-Goose Media. There is a scene in one episode where a flock of Canada Geese attack the two main characters, knock their sandwich to the ground, stomp on the sandwich, throw the sandwich in a trash can, beat up the trash can, and then throw the trash can at the main characters. Real geese would never do this and it is slander to portray them as such.

460. Look at this sweet mother goose keeping her eggs warm in a springtime Iowa snowstorm. This is what mothers do!

1/16/2024

461. Geese are often wrongfully blamed for contaminating water with their feces. It is this misunderstanding that leads to the horrible goose round-ups that result in the brutal death of thousands of them each year. The truth is that DNA tests strongly indicate that goose poop is not to blame for the harmful bacteria such as E. coli that is found in our waterways. Testing indicates that humans are to blame for the majority of E. coli bacteria in our waterways. Stop blaming the geese and learn to live alongside nature instead of destroying it!

462. The ultimate status symbol of the Early and Late Roman Iron Age (1-400 AD) in Scandinavia was being buried with a goose. At that time, the goose was a new and exotic animal in that area, so being buried with one showed your status as a high-ranking citizen. It was actually common to be buried with animals no matter who you were, but geese (and sometimes hens) were the sign of high status.
Additionally, Celtic warriors were often buried with geese.

463. This is the Slovak White Goose. They are from Slovakia. Sadly they are considered endangered and efforts are being made to bring up their numbers. They are native to the area and can lay about 18 eggs. This goose is known for his beautiful pure white feathers and elegant appearance. They are also very calm.

464. Geese need to enter breeding season fit and trim, or else they will have fertility problems. Most geese who live in colder climates burn some fat during the winter months and therefore enter breeding season with a healthy amount of fat for fertility. However, if they do not lose enough, breeders are encouraged to reduce feed a little or else both males and females will have problems with fertility.

465. More geese at Dr. Pol’s vet clinic! This time we have Riza, a goose that was taken by a coyote. Somehow she survived and suffered only a sprain in her leg. She may have it for the rest of her life, but she is doing better now! See facts #315, 383, 386, 434 and 435 for more geese on The Incredible Dr. Pol.

1/23/2024

466. This is the Daozhou Goose. He is a domestic goose that originated in China and is known to be used in many traditional Chinese dishes. He’s one of the most commonly-eaten geese in China. He is also known to adapt to many different climates.

467. Between the 12th and 17th centuries in the London Borough of Southwark, prostitution was legal and controlled by the Bishop of Winchester. These women were often referred to as the ‘Winchester Geese’ and endured lots of suffering. There is a graveyard/memorial for them that is still around today.

468. According to many goose farmers, including California farmer John Metzer, the ideal color for a goose’s legs, feet, and bill is orange. Many geese these days will have pink instead, and this is considered to be due to feed that relies on grains other than corn. Lower levels of xanthophylls in other grains result in the pink feet. Some birds may have a genetic tendency toward pink feet, legs and bills.
“Unless they are getting green grass or alfalfa hay, their bills, feet and egg yolks will lose their orange color over time,” Metzer said. “The underlying color in some geese seems to be pink.”

469. Birth control is a controversial topic, but what about using it to control geese populations? OvoControl is a birth control for birds that has been used with success in pigeons. It is seen as a humane technique of controlling the population because it eliminates the inhumane goose roundups that brutally kill geese later on in life. Unfortunately, state and local agencies seem mostly against the use of it in geese, due to the fact that they make lots of money from goose roundups. Hopefully in time, they will see that this non-lethal goose population control technique is worth considering.

470. Here is a glorious gaggle of Canada Geese at the Mott Park Disc Golf Course in Flint, MI. Although they did not join in on the game, they were very polite and moved aside to clear the fairway for the players at each hole. Thank you to Brian W. for submitting this fact.

1/30/2024

Thank you to Elizabeth S. for submitting this meme.

New trivia question next week!

471. The Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International- Regina Pond is a group of insurance professionals who give back to the communities they work in. (They are not a gaggle of geese. Misleading.) They hold fundraising events to benefit local charities. They also aim to promote fellowship within the insurance industry. Their website has several goose-themed puns.

472. New technology developed by the aerospace company Airbus has been inspired by geese. The signature V shape that geese fly in is being implemented for the planes too, in an aim to save on fuel and decrease carbon emissions. A technique known as wake energy retrieval (WER) allows a trailing aircraft to take advantage of the rotating vortices left behind a lead jet’s wing and retrieve its lost kinetic energy by surfing the invisible air upwash. This upwash enables the following aircraft to benefit from a little free lift. Essentially, this is what geese do when they fly in the V formation.

473. The town of Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky is home to many geese. The town is in Ballard County, which is 8,015 acres and is mostly wetland. This includes 27% open land, 28% forest, 39% wetland, and 6% open water. Perfect for geese! In fact, some consider Monkey’s Eyebrow the goose capital of mid-America. Thank you to Rebekah for submitting this fact.

474. This is the Subcarpathian Goose. They are from the Subcarpathian region of Europe, which is located in southeastern Poland. They are also known as the Podkarpacka Goose. Used mainly for their meat and eggs, the Subcarpathian Goose is a very important part of farm life in Poland. They are known for their strong and sturdy build, which is great for meat production.

475. February 2nd (3 days from now) is World Wetlands Day! This day is about raising awareness on the vital role that our wetlands play on the environment and for so many animals (including geese!) and humans. Please respect and preserve our wetlands so that our goosey friends may live in them for many years to come!
https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-wetlands-day

2/6/2024

New Trivia Question!

Remember, be the first person to correctly answer the question and win the goose-themed prize! All the answers can be found on the IGF website. Please do not use google- I can tell if you use google.

Past winners: See the IGF website.

Question: How many goose breeds have we learned about, including today’s goose breed?

476. This is the Poitou Goose and he is a very old French breed. They were thought to be introduced to France from Holland between the 10th and 12th century. Their exact geographical location of origin has never been determined. Sadly they are on the verge of extinction and something needs to be done to bring up their numbers.

477. This is Smiley the Porch Goose. She has an Instagram page called @porch_goose_chronicles. Here she is at a Jon Fett Quartet concert. Check out her cool band tee shirt. Thank you to Will for submitting this fact. See also Smiley in a beautiful gown at her mom’s wedding, dressed up as corn for Halloween, and giving into her gambling addiction.

478. Please see facts #15 and 254 for house geese. If you own house geese, you must supply them with toys to play with. Geese do not sleep as much as dogs and cats do, and need something to keep themselves entertained. Also, if they do not have toys to play with, they will often try to pull off their diapers! (house geese must wear a diaper at all times.) Some suggested toys for geese to play with are:
1. Piano
2. Wiggily glow worms
3. Stuffed animals (to cuddle with)
4. Dog or cat toys
5. Hula hoop (for tricks)
6. Milk jug ring or rubber band (to play fetch with)

479. The 1964 TV Show Daniel Boone has a very handsome goose. The son named Israel had a pet goose named Hannibal. Hannibal is clearly the main character.

480. This is my sister-in-law Elena (right) next to a very large, wooden Canada Goose (left). She and my brother saw him at Hunter and Coggins Clothing Company in Asheville, NC. Thank you to David for submitting this fact.

2/13/2024

Congratulations Ann! You are the winner of last week’s trivia! 

To remind everyone, I asked everyone how many goose breeds we have learned about, including the goose that was in last week’s newsletter. 

The answer is 119. 

(Today will make 120! See the Goose Index on the IGF website for all the past breeds.)

481. Happy almost Valentine’s Day! How does a goose show that they love you? Geese show their love not only by being loyal to their mates and protecting them against any threat, but by little nibbles that are comparable to human kisses. Geese will nibble or kiss each other and preen each other’s feathers as a sign of love, and if a goose loves a human enough, he will nibble gently on the human as well. These are goose kisses! Geese have even been known to snuggle up with humans like a dog or cat would.

482. Please see this painting I made at Painting with a Twist for a bachelorette party. The original painting (left) and then my special goose version (right). Do not worry, he is alive and well, just hanging out on her shoulder. Thank you to Lauren for getting married so I could create this fact!

Bonus: the Air Bnb we stayed at had these little goose gardeners.

483. This is the Taihu Goose. They are from China’s Taihu Lake region and are known for their elegance and gentleness. They are highly valued for their meat and feathers. Their feathers are commonly used for various purposes such as making pillows and quilts. This goose has a unique feeding behavior called “grazing on water” where they swim in shallow water and use their long necks to reach underwater plants (not all geese do this).

484. These are some guard porch geese by the Brown Iron Brewhouse in Washington, MI. Their signs are reminding people not to park in front of the house that is right there. By the looks of the zero cars parked in front of the house, I would say they are doing a fine job. Thank you to Collin for being with me when I discovered this fact.

485. Here is a very interesting YouTube video from a series by a channel called TierZoo. It goes through different animals and talks about their strengths and weaknesses as if they were characters in a video game. This one is about the goose. Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact.
(Warning: lots of potentially confusing video game language. But good footage of brave geese)

https://youtu.be/g_pwPhFvgNo?si=mcTpffQbGerwrH5K

2/20/2024

Thank you to Anastasia for submitting this fact.

486. This male Canada Goose has been named the luckiest goose in the world, after he was shot in the head with an arrow and made a full recovery. Miraculously, the arrow passed through his jaw, not his brain as it may appear. Vets removed the arrow and treated him for minor jaw injuries that he has since recovered from. He didn’t even bleed when the arrow was removed.

487. Here is a photo taken of a very handsome Black-Bellied Whistling Duck hanging out with a flock of Canada Geese. Ducks often like to hang out with geese; they tend to get along more often than not (they are basically cousins, after all) and the geese can offer the ducks a degree of protection. Geese are larger and taller and more aggressive, making them good bodyguards.

488. This is the Amorstream Goose. Their origins can be traced back to Romania, but they are most commonly bred and raised in Germany, Poland and the Netherlands. They have been selectively bred to have a rapid growth rate and low fat content. This goose is known to build very strong bonds with humans, which makes them good pets as well as farm animals. Sadly they are prone to feather loss if they are too stressed out.

489. Please enjoy this photo of me at age 2 chasing some geese in Frankenmuth, Michigan. As you can see, the geese were much faster than I was (it was no contest-they were way ahead). That is me in the blue. I hope the geese were not afraid. Foreshadowing?

490. This is from an Instagram video of hundreds of geese storming a beach. What a wonderful sight to behold. I hope they had a good beach day. Thank you to Collin for submitting this fact.

2/27/2024

Thank you to Jeff for submitting this.

491. Geese, like all birds, are biologically unable to register spicy food, specifically the effects of a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin is what makes peppers feel “hot” in your mouth, and geese are unable to feel that. One can assume they would therefore be excellent in a spicy chicken wing eating contest.

492. This is the Linxian Goose and they are from Linxian County, China. They are known to be very resourceful and friendly. They have a unique appearance with their slender neck and plump body. They are one of the easiest Chinese breeds of geese to raise because they are so calm. They are raised mainly for their meat.

493. Singer Elton John played Mother Goose during a charity performance of Mother Goose at the Theater Royal in London. See fact #27 for information about the real Mother Goose.

494. Here are some duck and geese statues on the Ohio Turnpike! I wonder where they are traveling to. Thank you to Mia for submitting this fact.

495. Goslings start to communicate with their parents while they are still in their eggs. They are able to make greeting “peeps” as well as distress calls and high-pitched trills that signal contentment.

3/5/2024

Thank you to Elizabeth S. for submitting this fact.

496. Please see this handsome wooden goose at an antique shop in Walloon Lake, MI. Thank you to Ann for submitting this fact.

497. College football fans seem to not be part of the Anti-Goose Media, as seen in this Tik Tok video of a fan singing “Don’t Stop Believing” with a porch goose. I hope the goose knew the words. Thank you to Katherine A. for submitting this fact.

498. The signature scent of the legendary sorceress, Yennefer of Vengerberg from the show and book series The Witcher, is a perfume that smells of lilac and gooseberries. She wears it to attract the Witcher, and the books explain that it is a scent that he is always drawn to, and the primary identifier whenever he thinks of Yennefer. You can buy it on Amazon. See fact #182 for more about gooseberries.

499. See facts #128, 405, and 437 for the American Buff Goose. This is another breed of American Goose, called the American Blue Goose. The American geese are one of the few domesticated goose breeds that originated in the United States. The plumage of the Blue is a pretty bluish-gray. Bills are orange and the eyes are brown. These geese have the same solid conformation as the American Buff, and typically weigh between 14-22 pounds. Most females lay 30-45 eggs in the spring breeding season if eggs are gathered daily. When allowed to sit, they make excellent natural parents. The goslings are hardy, fast-growing and superb foragers.

500. I am very excited to announce the arrival of actual goose mail in my mailbox! Thank you so much to Elena and Ann for sending me goose mail. Everyone else can send me goose mail too! Our mailing address is:
Interesting Goose Facts
11426 Davis St.
P.O. Box 737
Grand Blanc, MI 48480

3/12/2024

501. See facts #128, 405, and 437 for the American Buff Goose, and fact #499 for the American Blue Goose. The third breed of American Goose is called the American Lavender Goose. They are exactly like the American Blue, except they are an exquisite lavender-silver color. American Geese are considered excellent parents, even single ganders will adopt goslings. Sadly American Geese are critically endangered in the US.

502. See fact #182 for gooseberries. It is worth noting that until 1966, gooseberries were illegal in the US. Some states still ban the plant today and require a permit to grow them in certain counties. This was because of a fungal disease called white pine blister rust, a deadly disease for all species of white pines that could be brought in by gooseberries. Luckily, my county in Michigan does not require a permit so I will attempt to grow them and update you all. With any luck we will all be eating gooseberry jam soon.

503. This is a book called Year of the Goose by Carly J. Hallman. I found this book to be very interesting, and extremely unhinged. The plot zigzags through the dreams of a hair extension entrepreneur, the dreams of a lazy actress, the dreams of an unlucky goose and a self-immolating turtle/monk. There was also a hard to read scene with lots of death, so I would say this book is not for everyone. It is labeled a satire but I’m not so sure. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

504. Sometimes, Canada Geese will develop white patches on their black necks and heads that make them known as Salt and Pepper Geese. They’re still Canada Geese, just with a strikingly beautiful feather pattern.

505. There is quite an extensive list of things that are toxic to geese if ingested. Lots of plants and common foods (such as avocados, citrus fruit, coffee and tea, chocolate, onions, nuts and spinach), but also metals like zinc and copper can be toxic to geese. US pennies made after 1983 contain 98% zinc, and even a single penny can be fatal to a goose if swallowed. Do not feed geese pennies!! Cedar wood is also toxic, as it causes respiratory issues, so if you use wood shavings for bedding, make sure it is something like aspen instead.

3/19/2024

Thank you to David for submitting this meme.

Exciting News!

The geese at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, MI have begun nesting in the parking lot again!

Soon there will be new goslings!

506. There is a character in the children’s television show Franklin named Goose. She is a Canada Goose. Goose is kind, optimistic, helpful and resourceful (and silly, of course). She likes reading, skiing, and the color baby blue. She dislikes her plans being changed and her feelings getting hurt.

And now for our 125th breed of goose!

507. This is the Gang Goose. They are a native species from China, with either white or gray feathers. Due to overhunting, the number of Gray Gang Geese has decreased drastically, and thankfully conservation work has been done to keep them from going extinct. However, in the process of trying to save the Gray Gang Geese, they accidentally bred gray spots into the White Gang Geese. Oh well, they are still exceptionally beautiful.

508. See facts #30 and #212 for the Kelp Goose. It is worth adding that the Kelp Goose enjoys not being hunted by humans because they are generally considered inedible. They also sometimes like to walk like this.

509. This is from a viral video of Louise the goose who had a very hard time laying this big egg. Poor Louise was pushing for a long time to get this egg out, and it finally came out! I just took screenshots to preserve Louise’s modesty. It is worth noting that Louise was laying at the wrong time of year, so this egg is not fertilized and will not hatch. Thank you to Kurt for submitting this fact.

510. Gerald and Marcia are back! See facts #293 and 310. Here they are, enjoying the sun together. It is mating season, so hopefully soon they will have another glorious gaggle of goslings. Thank you to Emily N. for submitting this fact and continuing to update us on this couple.

3/26/2024

New trivia question next week!

511. This is the Yili Goose. They are from the Yili River Valley in China and are known to have especially thick feathers that keep them warm and resilient in harsh weather conditions. Unfortunately they are also considered especially delicious, so they are often eaten. Compared with other domestic goose breeds in China, the Yili Goose has poor reproductive performance, low egg fertilization rate, and low egg production. Studies have been done to determine why, and now efforts are being made to improve their sperm quality. They are the only indigenous goose breed that originates from Greylag Goose (see fact #164, 358, 368, 445) in China.

512. A team of 16 college students from Shenzhen University in China has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) program that helps identify sick Lion-Head Geese (see fact #306) for breeders. Lion-Head Geese are typically hard to raise due to being prone to disease. In the simplest terms, the AI program worked by setting up cameras to catch movements of the geese, and recording how long a goose spent in one spot. Sick geese tend to not move as much as healthy geese. It took a long time to update the algorithm tracking record for each goose, but eventually the students were able to increase the survival rate of the gaggle by 30%.

513. In the video game Elden Ring, there is an extremely difficult boss named Melania, blade of Miquella. She is also the Goddess of Rot. She is very hard to beat with her special move that is hard to dodge, called the Waterfowl Dance. I think she is giving geese a bad name. The internet collectively agrees that in order to beat this boss, you should cry so that you’re slippery and harder to hit.

514. Look at these beautiful geese and this painting of geese and other birds in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Thank you to Jenni for submitting this fact.

515. This is Goose Windu. He is the best lightsaber fighter in the galaxy. Thank you to Jeff for him.

4/2/2024

New Trivia Question!

Remember, be the first person to correctly answer the question and win the goose-themed prize! All the answers can be found on the IGF website. Please do not use google- I can tell if you use google.

 

See the Winners tab on the IGF website for all the past winners.

Question: What are the three types of American Geese?

516. If you pay attention, you may see these little ducks on some license plates. This is to symbolize the conservation program On the Water, which is a volunteer-based, watershed specific habitat improvement program. In 2019 and 2020, OTW had over 650 volunteers, cleaned 1,872 acres of watersheds, removed 8,665 pounds of trash and 1,510 pounds of invasive aquatic vegetation. The OTW program will be leaving behind a positive and everlasting impact on the watersheds and communities throughout the state of Michigan. All of this helps our goose friends! Thank you to Elizabeth S. for submitting this fact.
https://mucc.org/on-the-water/

 

517. This is the Blue Morph Ross’s Goose. They are just like regular Ross’s Geese (see fact #96 and 142) except they have a darker head and body. They are also extremely rare. Some consider them just a hybrid between a Ross’s Goose and a Lesser Snow Goose (see fact #404), but there is evidence to suggest that they are just a very handsome morph of the Ross’s Goose, perhaps caused by a mutation.

518. Look at this silly goose sliding down a slide like a person. I don’t know how to post the video.

519. When there is a gaggle of geese on the ground, there is always a sentry or sentries on the lookout for predators while the rest of the flock feeds. The sentry eventually will make a low noise letting everyone know it’s his turn to eat. Another goose will now become the sentry. This is a very good system and goes to show that nothing is more important to geese than family.

520. This is a gourd that looks suspiciously like a goose. I saw this in Kennebunkport, Maine in September 2020.

4/9/2024

Congratulations, Cindy! You are the winner of last week’s trivia!
To remind everyone, I asked what the 3 types of American Geese are.
They are:
1. The American Buff (see facts 128, 405, 437, 499, 501)
2. The American Blue (see fact 499)
3. The American Lavender (see fact 501)
Your prize will be given to you sometime this year.

521. The Tale of Gordy The Goose Who Thought He Was a Sandhill Crane is a book by Lou Waldock. I have not read it, but I imagine it is about a goose who thought he was a sandhill crane. The book was for sale at Waldock’s Christmas tree farm in Howell, MI. If anyone has read it, please provide me with a review! Thank you to Mia for submitting this fact.

522.  The Flight of the Wild Geese was the departure of an Irish Jacobite army under the command of Patrick Sarsfield from Ireland to France, as agreed in the Treaty of Limerick on 3 October 1691, following the end of the Williamite War in Ireland. More broadly, the term Wild Geese is used in Irish history to refer to Irish soldiers who left to serve in continental European armies in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Thank you to David for submitting this fact.

523. This is the Yongkang Goose. They are a domestic breed from China and are known to be beautiful and gentle. They are raised primarily for their meat and eggs, and can lay up to 60 eggs per year, which is quite impressive. Their eggs are used in many dishes.

524. A humane technique of goose removal is the use of sonic repellents. Ones like the speaker made by Bird-X Humane Bird Control Solutions emit sounds to make the geese think that there is an immediate threat in the area, and learn to not return through behavior modification. The speaker, called the GooseBuster Pro Sonic Goose Deterrent System, covers 1.5 acres of land, and has an option that covers up to 7 acres. The sounds include things such as coyotes and gunshots. There have been university studies done to back up the effectiveness of these sonic repellents.
Please see the Resources tab on the IGF website for more humane techniques.

525. The Wild Goose was a handwritten newspaper created in late 1867 by Fenian prisoners aboard Hougoumont, the last ship to transport convicts to Australia.

Seven issues of the newspaper were produced, and each issue was carefully laid out and decorated by hand. Only one copy of each issue was made, which was then read to the convicts aloud. The aim was to provide entertainment and encouragement aboard the ship during its long voyage to Fremantle.

The major contributors were John Flood, John Boyle O'Reilly and John Sarsfield Casey. The documents provide insight into life aboard ship. The documents contain songs, stories, articles, advice, poems, and even comedy.

4/16/2024

526. Hidden in the woods of Talkeetna, Alaska is a fantastic house that people have nicknamed the Dr. Seuss House. In reality it is called the Goose Creek Tower. It stands 185 feet high and has between 14 and 17 floors, depending on how you look at it. It is not open for visitors because it is intended to be a family’s home once construction is completed. Thank you to Mia for submitting this fact.

527. There is an old Chinese fable called “The Sentry Goose.” It is about a goose sentry that keeps watch over her flock as they sleep, but the hunters devise a plan to fool her. It unfortunately has a bad ending for the geese and I am not a fan.

528. This is the Kaluga Goose. They are from Russia and China and have been around for nearly a thousand years. They are usually the preferred meat choice for feasts and special occasions in the regions that they live in. Currently their numbers are declining, but efforts are being made to bring up their numbers.

529. Waterfowl such as geese and ducks are often blamed for causing environmental issues, but what if the truth is that they actually help the environment by dispersing seeds? A new study has found that urban waterfowl are actually excellent seed dispersers, through their feathers, feet, and feces.

The researchers found that the waterfowl carried the seeds of 97 plant species. Waterfowl can enhance the germination and survival of some seeds, especially those of wetland plants, by exposing them to water and digestive enzymes. The researchers concluded that urban waterfowl are effective seed dispersers for both native and alien plant species and that they can influence the composition and diversity of urban plant communities.

They can also help with the conservation of rare and threatened plant species, by dispersing their seeds to new locations. Thank you, geese and ducks!

530. This is Sammy the Silly Goose. He is a silly goose that was given to me as a present. He is able to sit on top of pianos, which I think is probably his favorite thing. Thank you Grace and Amanda R!

4/23/2024

There will be no IGF next week!

531. More geese on The Incredible Dr. Pol! This time, Dr. Pol and his family are visiting his home country, the Netherlands, when he comes across Stumpy. Stumpy is a Barnacle Goose with only one leg who needs a prosthetic leg. Dr. Pol helps two kids attach their 3D printed prosthetic leg to Stumpy. He can walk and swim like normal now. Please see the Goose Index for more on Barnacle Geese.

532. This is the Romny Goose. They are a popular breed from Ukraine. They are known for their efficient weight gains, and are used mainly for their meat. They are also very productive egg layers, and are sometimes used to cross with other breeds to increase egg laying.

533. Here are some little geese figurines at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI. The geese are part of a Nativity display by Fontanini. Sadly there was a sign that said I was not allowed to touch them. (I touched them anyway. Don’t tell.)

534. This is the Goose Island Pub at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. There are many of them around, and a beer company with the same name and logo (see fact #215). Thank you to Elizabeth S. for submitting this fact.

535. Please see this beautiful goose figurine from Belgium. I have named her Nele and although she may technically be a duck, we are going to say she is a goose. Thank you so much to Jamie V. for gifting her to me from her travels!

5/7/2024

Exciting news!

The nesting geese at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, MI have had their goslings!

Here is the mother goose hissing at me.

536. This is the Large Grey Goose (not the vodka). The breed exists in two populations, one from Ukraine and one from Tambov, Russia. They are among some of the most popular breeds of goose in the region, and were created by crossing the Romny Goose and the Toulouse Goose (see the Goose Index on the IGF website for these breeds). They have a massive head with a broad body.

537. Goosegrass is a summer grass plant that is often considered a weed, like crabgrass. Goosegrass is found growing close to the ground, and gets its name either from being food for geese, or because the plant kind of looks like the foot of a goose. The plant is native to California but has also been found growing in other parts of the United States and Europe. It is edible to animals and humans and has even been known to be used as beds for deer and its roots used for red dye.

538. One clever way to stop the accumulation of Canada Geese on golf courses is by implementing FlightTurf. The geese love the open space and well maintained and manicured grass. FlightTurf is a special grass that does not taste good. The geese will quickly learn to choose a different place. It looks beautiful (see photo below) and can also be used in other areas like airfields, vineyards, commercial and residential lawns, public parks and more. Additional benefits to using FlightTurf for a golf course include stormwater infiltration, soil and slope stabilization, minimal irrigation requirements, and minimal to no fertilization requirements.

https://www.flightturf.com/

539. Please see facts #293, 310, and 510 for Gerald and Marcia. Their goslings have been born! From right to left we have Sapphire, Cobalt, Emerald, Opal and Topaz. Welcome to the world! Thank you to Emily N. for submitting this fact and following their lives for us.
Sad update: Topaz was lost to a coyote. Memory Eternal Topaz!

540. Since December of 2023, a gaggle of geese have replaced guard dogs at the Sao Pedro de Alcantara prison in Brazil. They are called “geese agents” and are said to work better than the dogs, because the geese are not tempted by food like dogs are. They mainly patrol the prison’s inside fence and main outer wall. The head goose of the gaggle is named Piu-Piu. They are doing a very good job. Thank you to Mia for submitting this fact.

5/14/2024

541. Egg addling (oiling) is a wildlife management method of population control for Canada Geese. It involves removing the eggs from the nest of the mother goose, testing the embryo for life, and if there is one, killing it before placing the egg back into the nest. This ensures that the eggs do not hatch, therefore helping to control the population. You can only do this if you obtain proper training and permits through the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

I am not sure how I feel about this technique. Many people are in support of this technique because it lessens the amount of adult geese killed later on in life, but it is still the loss of a life. I think there are much better and more humane techniques that don’t kill anything. See the Resources tab on the IGF website.

542. There is a Canada goose that lives at the law school at the University at Buffalo in New York. Her name is Ruth Bader Gooseburg, and she is a very important part of the campus. Here she is below with her babies. There is a goose cam that documents her activities for the students. The students have learned empathy from her, and take great measures to make sure she and her goslings are taken care of. This has even gotten many of the law students interested in turning their future law careers into ones that help animals, especially geese.

543. The Golden Goose Award is an award for researchers whose government-funded studies seemed like a complete waste of time and money, but ended up turning into a major benefit to society. For example, the winner in 2014 began his study calculating the likelihood of black holes colliding with each other. Somehow along the way this ended up creating a web browser.

544. This is the Philippine Domestic Goose, also known as the Itik. They are a popular breed of goose, very well suited to the tropical climate. They adapt easily to the local environment and are used mainly for their meat and eggs in many dishes. They hold a deep cultural significance in the Philippines.

545. Look at my new goose dishes! I am very excited to announce the arrival of bowls, plates, cups and saucers. Be on the lookout for an invitation to a goose-themed dinner party (we will not be eating goose) with my new dishes. Thank you so much to Anastasia for giving them to me, and Rebekah’s Grandma Sarah for originally owning them.

5/21/2024

546. Ninghua County, Sanming, China is home to an amazing place called Goose Cave. It got its name because its mountain is shaped like a goose, and some of the stalactites in the cave are as white as a goose. The cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. There are stone waterfalls that descend from high above, and also delicate stone corals. Once inside, you are completely entranced and lose track of time and space. In the cave group, there is an underground river stone forest topography that is especially unique in China.

547. This is the Lubelska Goose. They are a native breed from Poland. Specifically, from the villages of Horodyszcze and Rachanie. They are considered to be very muscular with very little body fat. They are ideal for home breeding because they make good use of pasture and lower quality feed. They are also used to create good quality genetic hybrids. Sadly there are only about 230 of them.

548. This man rescued a Canada Goose gosling he found orphaned on the side of the road, whom he named Duck Duck, and intended on letting her go once she could fly. It has been several years now and Duck Duck has not left his side. They go everywhere together. For both of them, this is their longest relationship.

549. The Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary is a wonderful organization in South Lyon, Michigan that helps abandoned, injured, and neglected geese and ducks. They do such wonderful work and are certainly not part of the Anti-Goose Media.

https://michiganduckrescueandsanctuary.com/